Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has pointed fingers at militants operating from Afghan soil, alleging their involvement in orchestrating terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. Speaking to the media in Sialkot on Sunday, Asif emphasized that terrorism against Pakistan is predominantly orchestrated from Afghanistan.
The statement comes in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in North Waziristan district that resulted in the martyrdom of seven Pakistan Army personnel, including two officers. Asif reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding accusations against Afghan authorities for harboring terrorist outfits, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which frequently conduct cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Asif disclosed that Pakistan has identified some facilitators of the terrorists and raised the issue with the Afghan government. He also emphasized that individuals lacking valid documents would not be permitted to reside in Pakistan.
Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) social media team of orchestrating a campaign targeting Pakistan Army and the martyred soldiers. Tarar condemned the “insulting social media campaign” against the martyrs and their sacrifices, warning of action against those responsible.
Defence Minister Asif, without directly naming PTI, linked those behind the social media campaign against martyrs with terrorists, suggesting an “anti-state attitude.” He questioned the PTI’s past policies, referring to the party’s previous ceasefire deal with the TTP and its impact on terrorism in Pakistan.
In response, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser condemned the federal ministers’ accusations against his party, labeling it as misleading propaganda. Qaiser criticized Asif and Tarar for their statements regarding the martyrs of the Pakistan Army and security forces, dismissing them as regrettable.
Amidst a surge in terrorist incidents, Pakistan’s caretaker government initiated a deportation campaign against illegal refugees, primarily Afghans, in November last year. The move aimed to address security concerns and curb the influence of external elements in terrorist activities within Pakistan’s borders.
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