World

Afghanistan warns Pakistan minister over possible attack

Kabul has reacted strongly to Pakistani Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah saying that Islamabad may attack Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) insurgents in Afghanistan if it feels threatened.

In a late night statement on Sunday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense said that it considers as “provocative and baseless recent speeches of the Pakistani Interior Minister about the presence of (TTP) in Afghanistan and their possible attack inside Afghanistan”.

The statement added that such speeches by Pakistan damage the “good relations between the two neighboring and brotherly countries.” It further said that evidence exists which indicates that TTP centers exist inside Pakistan.


In a stern admonishment of the Pakistani minister’s interview to Pakistani news organisation Express News, the Afghan ministry responded by saying, “we request that any concerns and problems should be resolved through understanding”. It added that Afghanistan is ready to defend its territorial integrity and independence, “and it is mentionable we have a better experience than anyone in defending and protecting our country”.

Afghan news agency Tolo News too published detailed news on the war of words between the two nations.

Relations between the two neighbours have deteriorated sharply after Pakistan blamed Afghanistan for sheltering TTP militants who have been carrying out regular attacks on Pakistani security forces. Tensions have arisen on the Durand line – the colonial border between the two Islamic nations, which has been rejected by Afghanistan and also the Pashtuns who reside on both sides of the border.

Alarmed by the rising frequency of killings on the border as well as in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Pakistani minister Sanaullah had told local media that the government will speak with Afghanistan to dismantle TTP hideouts and hand over the militants to Pakistan. The interior minister added that “international laws give you the right to target those who attack you.”

Just last week Pakistan had to face the shame after numerous countries – US, UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia – issued advisories to their citizens to not venture out or visit hotels in Islamabad due to heightened fear of militant attacks.

In an unprecedented decision, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) met twice within a week to take stock of the deteriorating security and economy. On Monday, the NSC met for the second time under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The NSC has resolved to fight terrorism head-on.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping too had told Prime Minister Sharif that Pakistan will have to do more to protect Chinese nationals in Pakistan from attacks.

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar writes on international issues and is a keen watcher of South Asia, environment, urban development and NGOs.

Recent Posts

India neutralised Pakistan Air Defence System in Lahore: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralised Pakistan military's attempts of a large-scale drone and missile attack…

9 hours ago

Govt directs OTT platforms to refrain from streaming content having Pakistan origins

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued advisory to advisory to publishers of online…

9 hours ago

“Large number of terrorists killed”: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hails Indian Forces on Operation Sindoor

Defence Minister Rajanth Singh on Thursday hailed India's Armed forces for successfully targeting and destroying…

10 hours ago

International Buddhist Confederation, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha signs MOU for deepening cooperation

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) have signed a Memorandum…

10 hours ago

US asks its citizens to leave Lahore or seek shelter after India strikes Pak’s radar systems

After reports of "drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions," the US has asked…

11 hours ago

Harpy drones used by Indian military to target enemy air defence systems

The Harpy drones designed to attack radar systems were used by the Indian armed forces…

11 hours ago