Pakistan says strikes on terrorist camps in Afghanistan are a possibility

Pakistan will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and may strike at terrorist camps in Afghanistan. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated this in an interview with the Voice of America radio company.

“Islamabad may strike terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, and this will not contradict international law. Kabul exported terrorism to Pakistan, and the perpetrators are in Afghanistan,” the head of the defense agency said.

Asif completely ruled out the possibility of negotiations between the Pakistani government and the radical group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan territory. He said that former Prime Minister Imran Khan's administration's decision to allow 5,000 TTP militants to return to Pakistan triggered a surge in terrorism.

On June 25, the Pakistani government approved the “Resolve and Stability” strategy to ensure national security. It envisages intensifying the fight against terrorism within the country and against the external threat emanating from Afghanistan. The strategy, which allows for diplomatic efforts, comes in response to an 83% increase in the number of terrorist attacks in the country since the beginning of 2024.