Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Monday that the Afghan Taliban regime's support for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains unchanged, cautioning against placing trust in the interim rulers' "mixed signals" regarding a halt to cross-border terrorism. He made these remarks during an interview with a private news channel.
No Change in Ground Situation
Referring to a report claiming that Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had warned the TTP to stop attacks in Pakistan, Asif dismissed it, saying, "It is only in the media." He emphasized that "practically there has been no change in the situation on ground." Asif urged the Taliban's top leadership to cease supporting TTP militants "once and for all," adding that any reported withdrawal of support should "come from the horse's mouth." He also highlighted contradictory statements from the Afghan Taliban regime, warning, "It will be very dangerous to trust the mixed signals" being sent regarding terrorism. "There is absolutely nothing on ground," the defence minister asserted.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghan Taliban positions in Kabul in February this year, following renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The operation came after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar's update on April 5, 796 Afghan Taliban operatives had been killed and over 1,043 injured during the operation. Despite several rounds of talks, most recently facilitated by China in Urumqi, Islamabad and Kabul have failed to reach an agreement to resolve the conflict.
Response to Indian Army Chief
During the interview, Asif also responded to remarks by the Indian army chief, stating that New Delhi is still dealing with the consequences of its defeat in Marka-e-Haq last May. He warned against any potential military gamble in the future. "India is still bearing the humiliation of its failure in the recent war," Asif said, reacting to the Indian army chief's statement that Operation Sindoor remains active despite a temporary cessation of hostilities. The Indian army chief reportedly indicated readiness for a possible 'Operation Sindoor 2.0' if required. Asif asserted that Islamabad is prepared to counter any future aggression, accusing India of using Afghanistan to wage a proxy war against Pakistan. "The Pakistan Army will inflict an even stronger defeat on India than it did last time," he reiterated. "What happened to India last time perhaps did not satisfy them. If India wishes to try again, it may do so, and it will receive its answer." The conflict began after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and concluded with a ceasefire on May 10 following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
