Pakistan has every right to respond to terrorism from Afghan soil: Asif
Pakistan
Says Pakistan has concrete evidence that its enemies have sanctuaries in Afghanistan
The minister promises Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will be launched after taking all parties on board
Urges opposition to refrain from politicising the issue of terrorism
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Friday the Afghan territory was being used for committing terrorism, bloodshed, and destruction in Pakistan.
Pakistan possessed concrete evidence that its enemies had sanctuaries in Afghanistan and would take counter measures to defend its citizens, he said in the National Assembly.
The defence minister recounted his visit to Kabul during which he had conveyed to the Afghan authorities that fostering good relations would be beneficial for both nations.
He urged the opposition not to do politicking on terrorism as it was a matter of national security and honouring the blood of martyrs.
Khawaja Asif highlighted the adverse impacts of terrorism on the country’s economy, alleging that some opposition members had links with the Taliban. Such people had facilitated the return of 6,000 terrorists of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to the country, he added.
The minister stressed the importance of national unity in combating terrorism and protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.
OPERATION AZM-E-ISTEHKAM
The defence minister, a day earler, said Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would be launched in consultation with political parties and stakeholders to bring complete peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan.
"Peace and stability are vital for boosting economic and business activities in Pakistan, particularly in KP and Balochistan," he told a private television channel.
Pakistan, he said, had carried out many operations in the past to flush out terrorists. "We have achieved a great success while fighting war on terror."
The terrorists had been operating from Afghan soil to sabotage peaceful environment of our country, he said.
Pakistan had made a lot of sacrifices while fighting war on terror but the Afghan authorities never acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan for peace in the region. "The terrorists have roots and hideouts in some parts of Afghanistan and the operation is still continuing there against them," he said.
Answering a question, he said: "We will bring the policy to parliament regarding operation Azm-e-Istehkam to achieve objectives of peace, stability and economic activities in Pakistan."
