Pakistan&s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday that under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, the government could target Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts across the border in Afghanistan.&If the need arises, there is nothing more important than Pakistan&s sovereignty,& Asif told VOA when asked whether Pakistan would consider cross-border attacks to control perpetrators.Addressing the legality of potential cross-border attacks, Asif argued that Pakistan must prioritise its own interests.

&It is also a violation of international norms when Afghan soil is used to export terrorism, with those responsible receiving protection and safe havens by the people there,& he added.He also dismissed the possibility of negotiations with TTP.&There is no chance of a dialogue with them.

What do we talk about, we need to have a common ground to speak to them,& Asif said.He questioned the success of the Imran Khan government&s reintegration of 4,000 to 5,000 TTP militants, asking, &If that experiment was successful, let us know so we can follow suit.&Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have soured in recent months.

Islamabad says Kabul is not doing enough to tackle militant groups targeting Pakistan.The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) rejects Islamabad&s allegations, saying Afghanistan is not responsible for the &security failure& of Pakistan. Related stories:Pakistan&s Ishaq Dar says peaceful, stable Afghanistan will benefit both countriesPakistani PM approves re-invigorated national counter-terrorism campaignThe post Pakistan&s defense minister says TTP hideouts in Afghanistan can be targeted first appeared on Ariana News.