Opposition parties slam defence minister’s statement on Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: The opposition in the National Assembly Friday condemned the recent statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in which he declared that Pakistan could carry out cross-border strikes in Afghanistan to target terrorists.

“Such reckless rhetoric is not only inflammatory but also endangers the fragile peace and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the senior leaders said here during a meeting of the opposition and MNAs from erstwhile Fata and Pata held in the Opposition Lobby in the National Assembly.

The opposition leaders collectively demanded an immediate retraction of the statement and a formal apology from Khawaja Asif. They urged the government to adopt a more diplomatic and measured approach to addressing security concerns.

Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub said that Khawaja Asif’s statement had the potential to escalate tensions and spark a wave of terrorism, reversing the efforts made towards regional stability and peace. “Our focus should be on dialogue and collaboration with our Afghan brothers to combat terrorism, not on threats of unilateral military action,” he emphasised.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said, “The path to security and prosperity lies in building bridges, not in issuing threats of military aggression.” “The statement by Defence Minister is not just irresponsible; it is a dangerous provocation that threatens to destabilise our region further,” senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said.

He stated: “We must work together to ensure peace and security in the region, respecting each other’s sovereignty and fostering mutual trust.”

Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achkzai remarked, “We share more than just a border with Afghanistan.

Separately, PTI spokesperson also denounced the defence minister’s statement, calling it very irresponsible and provocative one and demanded of the prime minister to take the nation into confidence immediately.

Meanwhile, the PTI welcomed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet’s approval of establishment of the commission for judicial investigation of May 9 incidents.