Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that relations between Kabul and Islamabad “cannot continue” in the prevailing circumstances with increasing cross-border attacks from militant groups residing inside Afghanistan.
Speaking to Voice of America, the defence minister said: “Force is the last resort. We do not want to have an armed conflict with Afghanistan.”
His remarks come as the neighbouring countries have experienced a spike in their already tense bilateral relations over increasing terrorist attacks by the TTP and other banned outfits, which are based in Afghanistan, inside Pakistani territory.
Terming Pakistan’s military action inside Afghanistan as a necessary message against increasing cross-border terrorism, the minister called on the Afghan interim regime to “control” the TTP, adding that Islamabad will be forced to retaliate if the militant group continues its attacks.
Elaborating on the prospects of bilateral trade and prospects of providing an economic corridor to Kabul, owing to the country being landlocked, Asif questioned why Islamabad should entertain such a possibility if the neighbouring country treats it “like an enemy”.
