SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif divulged that the purpose behind the dialogues with Afghanistan is to resolve the differences through pacific means. He however warned that if such talks failed to yield any positive output, then Pakistan would have no other alternative but to fight openly, on Saturday.
In a press meeting in Sialkot the minister declared that negotiations with the Afghan government are taking place and a delivery of results is being arranged. “If the negotiations fail, then it is going to be a war out in the open,” was his firm statement.
Khawaja Asif mentioned that for the past four or five days the border has been calm with no abnormal activities or movements. He remarked that for a period of over 40 years, Pakistan had provided a haven for millions of Afghan refugees but from now on, everyone wanting to enter the country should do so through visa procedures.
The minister proclaimed, “Our security forces are in a very tough struggle with terrorists. Almost every other day we see the funerals of martyrs we have lost. But, it is their courage that our borders remain secure.” Besides praising army’s bravery and patriotism, he also claimed, “These are the very ones who lay down their lives to make sure our borders are kept secure.”
Khawaja Asif acknowledged the flair of the tribal inhabitants who, in his opinion, are the ones who are confronting the nation’s frontiers and protecting it with their gallant and unwavering character.
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Regarding the regional situation, Khawaja Asif charged India with impelling Afghanistan to act as a proxy in Pakistan’s turmoil. “We have fought with India once and now they are through Afghan territory, fighting another one,” he said.
