Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari hinted at a possible exercise of “self-defence” under international law against militants in Kabul if the Afghan interim government does not take action.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that this should not be the primary course of action for Pakistan. He urged Kabul to adhere to the Doha Accord, which states that no militant groups would be allowed to operate in Afghanistan and that none would launch attacks on other countries from within Afghan borders.
The Rising Threat of Militant Attacks
The foreign minister’s comments follow a devastating suicide bombing in Bajaur at a political rally for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl. The attack claimed 54 lives and injured 200 people, with many still in critical condition.
The Afghanistan-based extremist group Daesh has claimed responsibility for the deadly assault. Previous attacks on Pakistan have been conducted by the TTP, operating out of Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister and the army chief, have expressed their frustration with Kabul’s inability to prevent attacks against Pakistan. “According to international law, we have the right to self-defence,” FM Bilawal stated during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bilawal highlighted the need for the interim Afghan government to take action against these terrorists. “If we are repeatedly attacked like this, and there is no appropriate response, we will be forced to do this. But I don’t think it should be amongst the first options for us,” he added. He also expressed Pakistan’s willingness to provide assistance if required.
Bilawal noted a marked increase in terror attacks on Pakistan since the rise of the Afghan Taliban. “Statistics show a clear increase,” he stated, attributing part of the problem to the weapons left behind by US and Nato forces, which have fallen into the hands of militants.
