ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called for a unified and decisive war against terrorism, declaring that the time has come to defeat terrorist elements once and for all. His statement came in the wake of the recent tragic loss of innocent lives in Bannu .
Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, the Defence Minister expressed deep sorrow over the Bannu incident and stressed that the nation must now unite to fight a final battle against the scourge of terrorism . He asserted that Pakistan must establish an atmosphere of peace across all of its provinces .
Khawaja Asif also leveled serious allegations against Pakistan’s neighbours, claiming that terrorism in the country is being supported by India and Afghanistan. He stated that following a defeat last year, Afghanistan is now collaborating with India to promote militancy on Pakistani soil .
On the situation in Kashmir, the Defence Minister asserted that India’s attempts to destroy peace in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have failed. He pointed to certain elements operating in the region who, he claimed, are acting at India’s behest and forgetting the sacrifices made by the people of Azad Kashmir . The Minister also highlighted that oppression and human rights violations continue in Indian-administered Kashmir, where the local leadership has spent years in prisons .
Khawaja Asif further stated that any group whose connections to anti-Pakistan activities lead back to India must be dealt with decisively
