INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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
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
