Pakistan defense minister warns of possible action against 'terrorists' in Afghanistan before Ramadan

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the country may take action against "terrorists" in Afghanistan before the start of Ramadan. Speaking to ARY News, Asif said delaying responses to security threats carries a heavy cost for Pakistan.

Asif noted that a level of contact with the Taliban administration continues. However, he emphasized that militant activities originating from Afghanistan have not subsided. "If officials across the border remain passive observers," he added, "the responsibility is theirs."

Pakistan remains open to dialogue, Asif said, but cannot tolerate attacks on its soil following negotiations. He disclosed that Taliban officials have acknowledged they cannot provide written security guarantees, only verbal ones.

The remarks come amid a rise in attacks in Pakistan. In a recent suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers, at least 31 people were killed and 169 wounded. Asif said the attacker had traveled to and from Afghanistan.