Pakistan’s Defence Minister Calls Afghanistan A Hostile State
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday accused the Taliban of backing militants targeting Islamabad and declared Afghanistan a “hostile country.”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday accused the Taliban of backing militants targeting Islamabad and declared Afghanistan a “hostile country.”
In an interview with Geo News, Asif said Afghan soil continues to be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. He recalled Pakistan’s involvement in the Soviet war of the 1980s and the US-led intervention after 2001, arguing that Islamabad is still suffering from their consequences.
Asif also said Pakistan expects its Arab allies to respond to militant attacks launched from Afghan territory. Without naming Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he accused some political factions of colluding with the Taliban and having “blood on their hands.”
‘Islamic NATO’ Proposal
Asif highlighted Pakistan’s recent strategic agreement with Saudi Arabia, saying he has long supported a NATO-style defence framework for the Islamic world.
He argued that Pakistan has been more exposed than most nations to regional instability over the past four to five decades. He stressed that It is the fundamental right of regional countries, particularly Muslim populations, to stand together in defence of their lands and nations.
He added that the deal with Riyadh does not prevent other countries from joining or stop Pakistan from pursuing similar agreements with additional partners.
