Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has emphasized that Islamabad seeks to avoid an armed conflict with Afghanistan, following recent airstrikes targeting militant bases in Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces. Asif stated that force is the last resort and Pakistan does not want conflict with its neighbor. The airstrikes were aimed at the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, responsible for recent attacks in North Waziristan that martyred seven Pakistani soldiers. The strikes led to retaliatory actions from Afghan forces, using heavy weapons along the border.
Police have filed 9 cases against Mushtaq Ahmed for holding a sit-in for Gaza
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s stance against cross-border terrorism and invited neighboring countries to collaborate against it. Asif warned that Pakistan could block the trade corridor to Afghanistan if Kabul fails to curb anti-Pakistan terrorists operating from its soil. He also criticized Afghanistan for allegedly allowing the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate against Pakistan to prevent them from joining the IS-Khorasan chapter. Despite criticism, Asif maintained that Pakistan is protecting its interests and does not seek applause from the international community.
- Seven Killed, Including Bride and Groom, in Gas Cylinder Blast at Islamabad Wedding House
- PTA Warns Public Against Fraudulent Calls and Fake UAN Numbers
- Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Hits $19.2bn in H1 as Exports Slide, Imports Surge
- Livoltek Launches Innovative Energy Solutions in Pakistan
- PIA Resumes Direct Lahore–London Flights From March 30 Amid High Demand
