Pakistani Minister's Message on Border Tensions
Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the nation is ready for war with India as well as Afghanistan. During a TV interview, he made these comments in response to current tensions along the border with the Taliban.
Asked whether Pakistan can exclude the possibility of being in tensions with India at the same time, Asif replied that Pakistan cannot exclude it. He further said the nation has made plans for a two-front war but refused to elaborate.
Comments on Afghan Refugees
Asif also discussed Afghan refugees settled in Pakistan. He asserted that certain refugees were engaged in illegal and violent acts. He said authorities are detecting persons residing illegally and reported they would have to leave Pakistan.
Cross-Border Clashes and Charges
The recent skirmishes between Pakistani and Afghan troops have resulted in casualties to both sides. Pakistan has accused these clashes of happening while the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan was on a visit to India. The attacks were, according to Pakistani authorities, guided by Indian instructions.
Pakistan's Defense Minister blamed Afghanistan for moving under Indian instructions in what he termed a "proxy war."
India's Reaction to Pakistan's Accusations
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has turned down the Pakistanis' accusations. In a statement, the ministry stated that Pakistan still harbors and sponsors terrorist groups and often accuses neighboring countries of its own internal problems.
India stressed that Afghanistan is free to administer its own regions and that Pakistan is frustrated due to Afghanistan's exercise of sovereignty.
Tags Cloud
