Post by : Rameen Ariff

Islamabad: Following the tragic suicide bombing in Islamabad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sent a grave message to Kabul, asserting that “war could indeed occur.” This warning arises as relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan deteriorate, particularly in light of accusations that militants operating from Afghanistan are behind the increasing terrorist activities in Pakistan.

The attack, which resulted in 12 fatalities and injured 36 others, was claimed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This group, reportedly functioning from Afghan territory, has escalated its aggressions against Pakistani forces and civilians in recent months.

In a live interview, Asif pointed out that Pakistan might feel “obliged” to target “terrorist havens” within Afghanistan should the Afghan government fail to intervene. “War with Afghanistan could definitely happen,” he remarked. “The terrorists have come from there, and a significant number of those killed—about 55 percent—were Afghans.”

The minister characterized Kabul's denunciation of the bombing as mere “political theatrics,” accusing the Taliban regime of lacking cohesive governance. He claimed that the Afghan government comprises “various factions” with differing agendas, stating, “Some have ties to India, while others are influenced by different powers.”

Asif cautioned both Afghanistan and India against any potential “miscalculations,” highlighting that Pakistan would respond decisively if provoked. “Pakistan will refrain from starting any military action; however, we will not tolerate any acts of aggression,” he emphasized.

In another interview that has circulated online, Asif accused Kabul of “escalating tensions of war” by permitting terrorist organizations to operate unchecked. When asked about the TTP’s claim regarding the Islamabad attack, he seemed surprised but later declared on social media that Pakistan was “in a state of war.”

“We are in a state of war. Those who believe this conflict is confined to the Afghan-Pakistan border are mistaken. This battle encompasses all of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army is making daily sacrifices,” Asif expressed on X (formerly Twitter).

The increasing animosity between Islamabad and Kabul highlights a significant regional security dilemma. Pakistan has often held Afghanistan’s Taliban government responsible for not curtailing cross-border terrorism, while Kabul refutes these claims and accuses Pakistan of internal strife.

As both nations remain on high alert with rising militant activities, regional experts express concern that intensifying rhetoric might draw these neighboring countries toward open conflict, further unsettling the geopolitical landscape of South and Central Asia.

#Global