Pakistan considers cross border operation in Afghanistan if Taliban threat persists?
Shares
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has firmly rejected the notion that the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan was unresponsive to Pakistan's concerns. In an interview with Voice of America Urdu (VOA Urdu), he emphasized that there was no prevailing perception that the Taliban disregarded Pakistan's interests or requests. Furthermore, he clarified that Pakistan did not have any unique or special demands related to the Taliban.
Responding to a question regarding the perceived lack of cooperation between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, Kakar pointed out that Pakistan, in conjunction with the United States, consistently urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent their territory from being used for terrorist activities against any nation. However, the Taliban had requested evidence before accepting responsibility for such actions.
Kakar elaborated on the ongoing challenge of terrorism along Pakistan's western border, emphasizing that various regional countries, including Pakistan, China, Central Asia, and Russia, as well as international organizations such as the International Security Assistance Force and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, engaged in extensive discussions during the Doha negotiations. These discussions centered on the imperative that Afghan soil should not be utilized for terrorist purposes against any nation.
The caretaker prime minister highlighted the Afghan Taliban's commitment during the Doha negotiations and their willingness to engage in constructive dialogues with neighboring countries in the region. He acknowledged that while there may be various reasons hindering progress, Pakistan was actively participating in appropriate forums to play its role effectively.
Regarding the possibility of surgical or drone strikes following hints from Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir about targeting the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Kakar affirmed Pakistan's right to defend itself. He emphasized that Pakistan would make decisions that it deemed necessary for the protection of its people and territory. However, he refrained from disclosing specific operational decisions, indicating that Pakistan would respond to threats as needed.
In summary, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar dispelled the perception that the interim Taliban government was not responsive to Pakistan's concerns, emphasizing Pakistan's ongoing efforts to address the challenge of terrorism in the region and its commitment to safeguarding its people and soil when necessary.
