In an interview with FRANCE 24, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif addressed the security situation in Pakistan, claiming that the terrorist attacks in the country are the result of a "proxy war" waged by India in complicity with the Taliban government in Kabul. He also spoke about the situation in Gaza, saying that Pakistan is ready to contribute to an international peace force if the conditions are ripe.
Addressing the security situation in Pakistan and the recent bombing of a Shiite mosque in the capital Islamabad, the country's defence minister claimed that "almost all the franchises of terrorism" are present in Pakistan "because of the non-seriousness of the Kabul government towards curbing terrorism", adding that complicity would be a better word.
Asif went on to say that Pakistan "won't hesitate" to conduct new strikes on Afghanistan, unless someone in Kabul can "underwrite peace". He also accused India of waging a "proxy war" against Pakistan and accused New Delhi and Kabul of being "on the same page" when it comes to striking Pakistan. Asif emphasised that war with India was still "a possibility".
Normalisation of ties with Israel 'not even being considered'
Asked about a possible contribution of Pakistan to an international stabilisation mission in Gaza, Asif stressed that this would depend on "what sort of terms of reference are drafted for that peace force". He pointed out that Pakistan has significant experience as a contributor to United Nations peacekeeping forces and said that participating in the Gaza force would be a "good opportunity" to try to reach a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Despite the normalisation of relations between several Muslim countries and Israel, Asif said that he doesn't see "this option being even considered by Pakistan" unless Palestinians are granted "the right of self-determination in their own homeland" within the framework of a two-state solution.
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