Pakistan defense minister vows ‘no cake and pastries’ for TTP militants, after apparent China's warning
Khawaja Asif, has confirmed that the country will persist in launching military strikes against Afghanistan to counter terrorism. Speaking to BBC, he emphasized that these operations are a necessary response to attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians, stating, «We won’t serve them with cake and pastries.» Instead, he said, Pakistan is prepared to retaliate forcefully against any aggression.
The aerial strikes, part of a broader military campaign called «Resolve for Stability,» are aimed at militant groups that Pakistan accuses of operating from Afghan soil. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of not doing enough to curb these militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban or TTP, which allegedly have sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Pakistan's government maintains that its military actions are justified and necessary to safeguard its national security.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan alleges that despite its repeated requests, the Afghan Taliban has been reluctant to take action against the TTP, which has been using Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan. Asif asserted that Pakistan's strikes are a direct response to these threats, dismissing concerns over the legality of the operations and stating that informing the Taliban of impending attacks would compromise the element of surprise.
The Taliban government has condemned Pakistan's actions, calling them
