Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday that under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, the government could target Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts across the border in Afghanistan.

“If the need arises, there is nothing more important than Pakistan’s sovereignty,” Asif told VOA when asked whether Pakistan would consider cross-border attacks to control perpetrators.

Addressing the legality of potential cross-border attacks, Asif argued that Pakistan must prioritise its own interests. “It is also a violation of international norms when Afghan soil is used to export terrorism, with those responsible receiving protection and safe havens by the people there,” he added.

He also dismissed the possibility of negotiations with TTP.

“There is no chance of a dialogue with them. What do we talk about, we need to have a common ground to speak to them,” Asif said.

He questioned the success of the Imran Khan government’s reintegration of 4,000 to 5,000 TTP militants, asking, “If that experiment was successful, let us know so we can follow suit.”

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have soured in recent months. Islamabad says Kabul is not doing enough to tackle militant groups targeting Pakistan.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) rejects Islamabad’s allegations, saying Afghanistan is not responsible for the “security failure” of Pakistan.

IEA slams Pakistani defense minister’s ‘careless’ comments on cross-border operation

Following the statements of the Pakistani Defense Minister about the possibility of attacks on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defense on Friday slammed the remarks as “careless” which will not benefit any side.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the Pakistani defense minister’s remarks were an attempt to “muddy the waters”, calling on the Pakistani leadership to not allow anyone make such “sensitive” statements.

The Ministry of Defense warned that anyone who violates Afghanistan’s sovereignty under any pretext will bear the consequences.

The ministry emphasized that IEA will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be used against any other country.

Related stories:

Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar says peaceful, stable Afghanistan will benefit both countries

Pakistani PM approves re-invigorated national counter-terrorism campaign