After the suicide attacks in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harboring terrorists. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the Pakistan Army could enter Afghanistan and retaliate.
Pakistan: Following the terrorist attack in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, Afghanistan is once again in Pakistan's crosshairs. Pakistan is now threatening to attack by entering Afghanistan. On Tuesday, two suicide attacks occurred in Pakistan – one in Islamabad and another at the Army Cadet College Wana in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tensions between the two countries have escalated after these attacks.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif's Warning
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the Pakistan Army can attack by entering Afghanistan. He warned on Tuesday that retaliatory action against Afghanistan is possible following recent attacks in Islamabad and South Waziristan. Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring terrorists.
Peace Restoration Efforts Fail
Three attempts to restore peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan have already failed. Speaking on Geo News' program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath’, Asif stated that cross-border action inside Afghanistan cannot be ruled out.
Serious Accusations Against Afghan Taliban
Khawaja Asif dismissed the Afghan Taliban regime's condemnation of the attacks. He stated that such expressions of regret “cannot be considered proof of sincerity.” Asif said that individuals harbored by the Afghan Taliban are repeatedly attacking Pakistan.
India Also Dragged Into the Dispute
Khawaja Asif also attempted to forcibly involve India in the attacks on Pakistan. Warning India and Afghanistan against any misadventure, he stated that Pakistan “would respond in kind.” Asif said, “Pakistan will never initiate any military action, but we will not refrain from responding to any aggressive action. We will respond forcefully.”
Direct Accusation Against Afghanistan
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of involvement in this attack, although Kabul has denied the accusation. Asif stated that if Afghan officials fail to rein in the terrorists, Pakistan will retaliate.
Tension Escalates After Islamabad Blast
At least 12 people were killed and more than 30 injured in the suicide blast in Islamabad. Earlier, Asif had warned that Pakistan is fully capable of giving a befitting response to cross-border terrorism. He posted on X, stating, “We are in a state of war. Anyone who thinks that the Pakistani army is fighting this war only in the border areas of Afghanistan or the remote areas of Balochistan should take the suicide attack in Islamabad as a warning.”
Doubt Over Possibility of Talks
Following the attack, the Defense Minister expressed doubt over the possibility of successful talks with the Afghan Taliban regime. He wrote on X, “The Kabul leadership can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war to Islamabad is a message from Kabul.”
Plot for Major Attack in Wana
Pakistan states that there was preparation for an incident similar to the Peshawar Army School attack at Wana Cadet College in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On Tuesday, 4-5 suicide attackers intended to surround the college and take students hostage. Sources reported that approximately 650 people, including 525 cadets, were present at the college during the attack. However, security forces managed to overpower the attackers in time.
