Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has called the country’s role in supporting, training and funding terrorist organizations a “dirty act” in history. Khawaja Asif admitted that it was a mistake. For which his country Pakistan has had to bear the brunt.
When asked whether Pakistan fears escalation of tensions as a result of the Pahalgam terror attack?
The Defense Minister said’ the country is ready to respond.
In an interview published last night on British news channel Sky News, news presenter Yalda Hakim questioned Mr Asif about Pakistan’s response and stance on terrorism following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people earlier this week.
“You do admit, sir, that Pakistan has had a long history of backing and supporting and training and funding these terrorist organisations,” asked Ms. Hakim.
In response, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja said that this is a dirty game that our country’s politicians and security forces have been playing continuously for the last 30 years.
We and our country’s land have been used as a pawn in this game. This whole game continues under the shadow of America, the West and Britain. This is emerging as a big problem for our country and people. I consider it a big challenge and mistake for us.
“It was a mistake, and we have been victims of it. That’s why you are telling me this. If we had not been involved in the war against the Soviet Union and later in the war after 9/11, Pakistan’s track record… would have been an exceptional track record,” he said.
“It is very convenient for… the big powers to blame Pakistan for whatever is happening in this region. When we were fighting the war on their side way back in the 80s against the Soviet Union, all these terrorists of today, they were wining and dining in Washington.
In the same interview, the defence minister issued a concerning statement about the possibility of full-scale conflict with India.
After the Pahalgam attack claiming 26 lives, the government implemented several diplomatic responses, including shutting down the Attari ICP, cancelling the SVES for Pakistani nationals with a 40-hour departure notice, and reducing diplomatic staff at both High Commissions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged severe consequences for both the attackers and conspirators. He emphasised that the time had arrived to eliminate remaining terrorist strongholds, stating that 140 crore Indians’ determination would defeat the perpetrators of terror.
Regarding the Pahalgam issue, Khawaja Asif said that the dispute that has started between India and Pakistan can take the form of a big war between the two countries. He said that whatever India does, Pakistan will respond to it. If things go wrong, the impact of this conflict can be dangerous.
The Pakistani Defense Minister said that India, not Pakistan, is responsible for the Pahalgam attack. If India takes any action against us, Pakistan will respond in the same manner. Asif said that Pakistan has no other option but to respond.
He said that the world should be worried because both the countries have nuclear weapons. However, he expressed hope that both the countries will resolve this issue through talks.
When asked about the terrorist organization The Resistance Front (TRF) which claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Asif said that he had never even heard its name. When the anchor reminded him that TRF is a part of Lashkar-e-Taiba, he said – Lashkar is now outdated. It does not exist anymore.
What did Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar say?
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called the terrorists of the Pahalgam attack ‘freedom fighters’. Dar said in a press conference on Thursday – We should be thankful that these can also be freedom fighters.
However, we do not know who they are. I think they are blaming Pakistan for their failure and their domestic.
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Ishaq Dar is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said that if India has any proof of Pakistan’s involvement in this attack, then it should present it before the world. Dar said that India has been repeatedly accusing Pakistan of such incidents. This time also India has played the same game.
Dar said that in view of these circumstances, I have cancelled my visits to Bangladesh and Afghanistan so that we can prepare a diplomatic response. Regarding India’s increasing aggression, Foreign Minister Dar said that Pakistan will also take steps like India.
Threatened India for cancelling Indus Water Treaty, said- this is like war
The Pakistani foreign minister said that if India tries to take any misadventure, the Pakistani army is ready to respond to such a challenge. Dar said that they have tried before and failed. So this time it will be even worse for them.
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Dar also warned India against cancelling the Indus Water Treaty. He said that this is like a war. He said- 24 crore people in Pakistan need water. You cannot stop it. If India tries to divert the water then it will be considered like a war.