The Ministry of Defense, reacting to recent statements by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, has stated that any potential operations by Islamabad on Afghan soil will have negative consequences.
Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, told TOLOnews that violating Afghanistan’s national sovereignty is an unwise act and an attempt to complicate the situation between Kabul and Islamabad.
The Ministry of Defense spokesperson added, “The recent remarks by Pakistan’s Defense Minister about the potential violation of Afghanistan’s national sovereignty are unwise and an attempt to muddy the waters, which benefits no one. It is essential for the leadership of Pakistan not to allow anyone to make statements about sensitive issues. The Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan also declares that anyone who violates our territory under any pretext or in any capacity will bear the consequences.”
Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, recently spoke about the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan and the possibility of Islamabad launching military operations against their hideouts in Afghan territory.
Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, has called on Pakistani officials to refrain from making such statements about Afghanistan.
The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate added, “Pakistani officials should be cautious in their statements. They should avoid expressing sensitive issues that lead to tension. We will never allow anyone to invade or disrespect Afghanistan’s territory.”
At the same time, a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has criticized the Defense Minister’s remarks about the possibility of conducting operations in Afghanistan.
Zartaj Gul Wazir, a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said, “The Defense Minister issued a statement saying that operations will be conducted in Afghanistan. How can he consider India a friend and Afghanistan an enemy in the same statement? This is a game to confuse the people and political parties about who their friends and enemies are. The Pakistani Defense Minister has a psychological problem.”
Sayed Muqaddam Amin, a political analyst, told TOLOnews, “Issues that harm both countries should not be discussed through the media. They should sit down and discuss these issues in a brotherly way in meetings, thoroughly investigate them, and make joint decisions regarding the security situation of the borders and the issues between the two countries.”
Previously, a leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam also expressed concern about the disagreements between Kabul and Islamabad and called on the Pakistani government to engage in effective talks with the interim government to resolve this situation.