ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that Pakistan has held talks with the Afghan Taliban for peace, but statements by some Afghan officials show that the Taliban’s intentions are not good. He said that these ‘toxic’ statements reflect the Taliban’s disorganized and deceitful mentality.
Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan does not want to escalate any conflict, but if the Taliban provokes further, it may be forced to take strong measures to bring the situation under control — and its demonstration may be similar to the powerful operations of the past. These words from him highlight the fact that Islamabad’s patience is running out.
The Defense Minister criticized the Afghan Taliban, saying that their current policies are harming Afghanistan and they are raising war slogans to hide their weakness. He also made it clear that the response to any suicide or terrorist act will be effective and tough.
