Azm-e-Istehkam operation can be beyond border: Kh Asif  

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Afghan soil was being used against Pakistan and if necessary, Pakistan can target TTP across the border under the Azm-e-Istehkam operation.

In an interview with Voice of America, Defence Minister said that the source of recent terrorism in Pakistan was Afghanistan. He questioned under which law Afghanistan was exporting terrorism to Pakistan? He said for Islamabad therefore will be no compromise on national sovereignty.

Defence Minister said banned TTP has set up hideouts in Afghanistan and if its neighbor violated international law then Pakistan cannot sit idle. He alleged that Afghanistan was not fulfilling its neighborhood and religious rights.

Kh Asif questioned Pakistan cannot bow before Afghan Taliban. He ruled out prospects of talks with TTP. He questioned TTP was targeting and threatening the sovereignty of the country, how can Pakistan sit with it.

He said in the past there was not outcome of dialogue with TTP. He claimed during PTI government 5000 terrorists were settled in Pakistan.

Defence Minister rejected the perception that all former military operations were not successful. He added that after the operations, the civil governments committed negligence.

He claimed that due to political governments, the terrorists reappeared on the scene. He said the government wanted to take all political parties on board regarding military operation for the stability of the country.

The government will move a resolution in the parliament regarding the military operation.

Kh Asif said the military operation was aimed at economic interests as economic recovery cannot restore without eradicating terrorism.

He said the recovery of the economy was among the key goals of the operation.

Defence Minister said the reservations of the opposition regarding the operation will be addressed. The opposition parties were making opposition on political grounds. He blamed that some political parties care more about political interests than national.

Defence Minister said the government will not seek external aid and will carry out operation with their own resources. He said friends will be happy with peace in Pakistan. He said in the past US made cooperation due to its own interest. He said America has left Pakistan alone like in the 80s.

He said the US has left Pakistan for the negative effects of the Afghan war. He said expecting hope from America was a waste of time. Pakistan will be China's first priority for investment.

He said it was not true that China has security concerns in Pakistan. Beijing wants to see Pakistan economically independent. The Chinese leadership was satisfied with Pakistan's security arrangements.

Kh Asif said rigging accusations by US on Pakistan general elections were because of coming US elections.

He said Americans were speaking this language because of the presidential election as candidates need funding in elections.

He said If Imran Khan agrees, the negotiation process will also be started as PM Shahbaz Sharif has invited Imran Khan for talks. He said courts will decided about Imran Khan's release.

Defence Minister said the government was not in favor of keeping anyone in jail on political grounds. He said PPP can take the ministries in the government.

Khawaja Asif said Nawaz Sharif was not indifferent to government affairs as all key issues, including budgeting, were being managed under the guidance of Nawaz Sharif.