Controversy Over Defense Minister’s Statements on Cross-Border Strikes Intensified

Islamabad

Senior members of the opposition in the National Assembly vehemently condemned the recent statement by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, in which he irresponsibly declared that Pakistan would carry out cross-border strikes in Afghanistan to target terrorists. Such reckless rhetoric, they asserted, is not only inflammatory but also endangers the fragile peace and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Senate Committee Urges CDA to Address Parliament Lodges Issues and Expedite Delayed Construction

The meeting of the senior leaders of the opposition and members from ex-FATA and PATA took place in the Opposition Lobby in the National Assembly on Friday, the June 28.

“The statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is not just irresponsible; it is a dangerous provocation that threatens to destabilize our region further,” Asad Qaiser said. Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan said: “Khawaja Asif’s statement have the potential to escalate tensions and spark a wave of terrorism, reversing the efforts made towards regional stability and peace.”

The opposition leaders underscored the deep and historic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing that such incendiary remarks do not reflect the sentiments of the Pakistani people. “We share more than just a border with Afghanistan; we share a history, culture, and the bonds of brotherhood,” remarked Mehmood Khan Achakzai.

MNA Sahibzada Singhat Ullah added that “Any threat of military action undermines the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that we have worked so hard to build.”

They called out the Defence Minister for his failure to appreciate the complexities of regional dynamics and for making irresponsible statements that could have grave repercussions. “Cross-border strikes are not a solution to the menace of terrorism. They will only exacerbate the situation and lead to further loss of innocent lives on both sides of the border,” Asad Qaiser added.

The opposition leaders collectively demanded an immediate retraction of the statement and a formal apology from Khawaja Asif. They urged the government to adopt a more diplomatic and measured approach to addressing security concerns. “Our focus should be on dialogue and collaboration with our Afghan brothers to combat terrorism, not on threats of unilateral military action,” insisted Omar Ayub Khan.

Asad Qaiser stated that “we must work together to ensure peace and security in the region, respecting each other’s sovereignty and fostering mutual trust.

We need policies that reflect our commitment to peace, not war,” added Junaid Akbar. Barrister Gohar remarked that the path to security and prosperity lies in building bridges, not in issuing threats of military aggression.

The meeting was attended by Omar Ayub Khan, Asad Qaiser, Barrister Gohar, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Anwar Taj, Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, Shahid Khattak, Salim-ur-Rehman, Bashir Khan Asif Khan, Sajid Khan Mohmand and Dawar Khan Kundi.