Terrorism in Pakistan

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has announced that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is now firmly aligned with the federal government and the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif stated that the two entities are now on the “same page” after a long period of lacking cooperation.

The minister emphasized that while a solution to the rising violence is necessary, the responsibility does not lie solely with the Centre. He asserted that all provinces must contribute their own resources to combat the issue.

Diplomatic Failures and the Afghan Standoff

Responding to suggestions that Islamabad should engage in dialogue with Kabul, Asif revealed that Pakistan has already conducted multiple rounds of talks to no avail. He recalled his own 2023 visit to Kabul and meetings held in Qatar and Turkiye last year.

Asif noted that despite the mediation of Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, no lasting solution was reached. He stated that the Kabul government has refused to provide written guarantees that attacks against Pakistan will not be launched from Afghan soil.

The minister further alleged that the Kabul authorities are acting as a “proxy of India” and a “proxy of the Hindutva.” He claimed that because India would not dare a direct confrontation following its defeat in Marka-i-Haq last year, the conflict is now being fought through Kabul.

Threats of Escalation

Asif warned that if Kabul continues to facilitate terrorist activities and refuses to abandon bases and camps, “there will be open war.” He declared that if the Afghan administration remains unwilling to reach an arrangement, Pakistan would “do to Kabul what we have done to Delhi.”

These remarks follow a “strong demarche” issued by Islamabad after a May 10 suicide attack in Bannu killed 15 police personnel. Asif also referenced another attack on a police post in Bannu that claimed 22 lives, noting that KP and Balochistan are most affected due to their shared border with Afghanistan.

While the two sides recently agreed in China’s Urumqi to avoid escalation in their armed conflict, the current tension suggests that relations could remain volatile. Future stability may depend on whether a third country can facilitate a conclusive communication channel.

Parliamentary Chaos and Political Clashes

The minister’s statements came during a heated debate sparked by JUI-F’s Noor Alam Khan. Khan criticized both the federal and provincial governments for failing to protect KP residents and alleged that displaced families were mistreated by Punjab police.

Asif dismissed these claims, accusing the JUI-F lawmaker of focusing on “divisions on ethnic lines” rather than the national sacrifice. This response triggered a volatile reaction from PTI members, including Iqbal Afridi and Junaid Akbar.

The session descended into chaos as Iqbal Afridi hurled abuses at Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Khawaja Asif. Physical exchanges broke out between PTI MNAs, eventually forcing Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah to adjourn the session. Sergeants at Arms were called in to manage the situation as lawmakers were escorted away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Khawaja Asif believe the Centre is not solely responsible for security?
He stated that while the Centre has a partial responsibility, all provinces must contribute their own resources to find a solution to terrorism.

What is the primary reason given for the failure of talks with Kabul?
The Defence Minister stated that the Kabul government is willing to agree verbally but refuses to provide written guarantees that no attacks will be carried out against Pakistan from Afghan soil.

What led to the adjournment of the National Assembly session?
The session was adjourned after PTI members engaged in abusive language and physical exchanges with one another and hurled insults at the Speaker and the Defence Minister.

Do you believe written guarantees are the only way to ensure regional security between neighboring nations?