The Torkham firing

Afghan forces firing in our territory is most condemnable. This firing is part of a new US, Indian and Afghan strategy against Pakistan. Having failed to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan, the US has been trying to pressurise Pakistan to follow its dictates, which Pakistan has rightly refused. President Obama had vowed to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan around 2014 after establishing peace in that country. He also wanted to give a key role to India after the withdrawal. And now the US is frustrated – having failed in its objectives. They drone Mullah Mansour in our territory but continue to shelter Mullah Fazlullah (our fugitive) in Afghanistan to launch suicide attacks against innocent Pakistanis.

In Afghanistan, the government is influenced by a minority Northern Alliance and Prime Minister Ashraf Ghani is held hostage by them. The steps we have taken for more effective border control management are required to stem terrorism against us.

Air Cdre (r) Mohammad Yaqoob Khan

Rawalpindi