Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Saturday that Pakistan holds the right to launch retaliatory strikes inside Afghanistan in response to cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
In a statement shared on X, Asif warned that Pakistan would not hesitate to act if militants identified as Fitna-e-Khawarij—operating from Afghan soil—continue to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. He emphasized that Kabul has failed to assure Islamabad that Afghan territory will not be used by Indian-sponsored elements to target Pakistan.
“If the Khawarij based in Afghanistan cross our borders and shed Pakistani blood, we reserve the right to enter Afghan territory and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the minister declared.
He urged the Afghan government to respect the sanctity of Pakistan’s borders, adding that Pakistan also remains committed to safeguarding Afghan territory. Asif concluded his statement with the words, “Allahu Akbar.”
Earlier, the defence minister accused the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of allowing thousands of Taliban fighters to enter and take refuge in Pakistan. In another post on X, he alleged that PTI continues to support negotiations with terrorists, despite the heavy sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians.
Asif further noted that, despite years of dialogue and multiple delegations between Islamabad and Kabul, Afghan-based militant violence inside Pakistan has persisted.
