ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Darrevealed on Friday that Pakistan had prepared to launch kinetic militaryaction against Afghanistan in response to repeated cross-border terroristattacks but suspended the operation at the formal request of Qatar, whichimmediately offered mediation between Islamabad and Kabul.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Dar confirmed that the plannedoperation, internally referred to as “Operation Cleanup”, targetedterrorist sanctuaries inside Afghan territory believed to be used by theTehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for launching attacks on Pakistanisecurity forces and civilians.
The revelation marks the first official acknowledgment from a seniorPakistani minister that the military was hours away from conducting strikesacross the Durand Line before diplomatic intervention from Doha persuadedPakistan to grant space for negotiations.
Dar emphasized that Pakistan accepted Qatar’s mediation offer in good faithand as a responsible nuclear-armed state, despite suffering heavycasualties in recent months from Afghanistan-based militants. He said thedecision reflected Pakistan’s preference for peace but warned that nationalsecurity remained non-negotiable.
The disclosure has intensified scrutiny on the ongoing Doha-mediated talks,with analysts suggesting the near-launch of kinetic action explainsPakistan’s firm stance during backchannel discussions with the AfghanTaliban regime.
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Islamabad maintains that Afghanistan continues to provide safe haven to TTPleadership and fighters, a charge Kabul routinely rejects. Recent monthswitnessed a surge in terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa andBalochistan, prompting calls within Pakistan for decisive retaliatorymeasures.
Dar reiterated that while Pakistan remains committed to the mediationprocess, any further attacks originating from Afghan soil would compel thestate to exercise its legitimate right of self-defence without priorconsultation.
Source:www.dawn.com/news/1876543/pakistan-halted-military-action-against-afghanistan-on-qatars-request-dar”>https://www.dawn.com/news/1876543/pakistan-halted-military-action-against-afghanistan-on-qatars-request-dar
