ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan can close Afghanistan’s trade with India.
While talking to the American broadcasting organization, Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict with Afghanistan, force is the last resort.
The Defense Minister said that Pakistan can close Afghanistan’s trade corridor with India, if Afghanistan fails to stop the anti-Pakistan terrorists on its soil, it can close the corridor. If Afghanistan treats us like an enemy, why should we provide them with a trade corridor?
Khawaja Asif said that there is a need to send a message that cross-border terrorism has increased a lot, Pakistan wants to send a message to the rulers in Kabul that we cannot continue things like this.
He said that during his visit to Kabul in February 2023, he had asked the Taliban ministers not to tie Kabul’s hands because of TTP’s past favors, if TTP has done you a favor and you are grateful to them. If so, control them, don’t let TTP start a war with us, don’t be their ally.
He said that it is hoped that Afghanistan will fulfill the “sole demand” of keeping the TTP under control.
He also expressed the hope that Afghanistan would prevent the need for military action from Pakistan in the future.
Khawaja Asif said that if they can harm us, we will be forced to retaliate. Afghanistan is allowing TTP to work against Pakistan to prevent TTP members from joining ISIS.
Defense Minister said that it is not necessary that the world appreciates us, what is in our interest is enough for us, we are protecting our interest, regardless of whether anyone appreciates it or not.
