ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Thursday that the government plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan, citing “unbearable” security concerns following a series of deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces.
Speaking at the National Assembly, Asif called for unity among federal and provincial governments, urging them to stand firmly behind the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
“Our political community must acknowledge this,” Asif said. “Those of us who govern, whether federally or provincially, must on this issue speak with one voice.”
“Stand with our armed forces, with the martyrs, and with the veterans.”
His remarks came a day after 18 security personnel were martyred in two separate attacks in northwestern Pakistan.
The defense minister warned that those providing sanctuaries to militants, whether “on this side or Afghan soil,” will be held accountable.
“No one should have any doubt: if four, five, ten or fifteen people from a sanctuary attack one of our military convoys, the response will be given,” he said, adding that collateral damage would be inevitable.
“Collateral damage may occur, and everyone will have to bear it. Those sanctuary villages will also pay the price; those who shelter militants will pay the price,” Asif emphasized.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns in regional and international forums about safe havens for militant groups across its western border.
At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s stance, calling on the Afghan interim authorities to take “effective action” against groups operating from their territory and to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism.
A UN Security Council (UNSC) monitoring report released in July also stated that the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to train and operate from camps inside Afghanistan.
Over the past ten months, Pakistan has lost approximately 621 security personnel in its ongoing war against terrorism, while around 880 militants have been killed in Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) conducted nationwide.
The proposed delegation’s visit to Kabul underscores Pakistan’s urgent call for regional cooperation to tackle cross-border terrorism and hold militant sanctuaries accountable, a step aimed at restoring stability and protecting lives on both sides of the border.
