BISHKEK: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday called for transparency and confidence-building measures to nurture peace and stability in the region, cautioning against “blame games and hate-driven politics for domestic political gains.”
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he stressed that “only a blind would not see and appreciate Pakistan’s contributions in eliminating terrorism.”
On the sidelines of the summit, Asif held meetings with the Deputy Defence Minister of Iran and the Defence Ministers of China, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Altamash Wazir Khan, accompanied him during these interactions.
Reiterating Islamabad’s concerns, the minister said: “Our foremost concern remains the misuse of Afghan territory by terrorist groups such as TTP and BLA to carry out attacks against Pakistan and its citizens. We have emphasised the need for credible, verifiable action against these entities.” He added that Pakistan’s “earnest efforts to end the conflict, impacting the entire region and beyond, are ongoing, and we remain hopeful of achieving a positive outcome.”
His remarks came against the backdrop of recent armed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where security forces exchanged fire with militants attempting cross-border infiltration. Officials said several Pakistani soldiers were injured in the skirmishes, while Afghan authorities accused Islamabad of heavy-handed tactics. The incidents have heightened tensions between the two neighbours, already strained over allegations of militant sanctuaries.
Meanwhile, Balochistan has witnessed a spate of terror attacks in recent weeks, including targeted killings of security personnel and bomb blasts in Quetta and Turbat. Authorities have blamed the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) for orchestrating the violence, underscoring Asif’s warning about Afghan soil being exploited by separatist outfits.
Diplomats note that Pakistan’s dual messaging—highlighting its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism while pressing for regional cooperation—reflects Islamabad’s bid to balance domestic security concerns with its role in multilateral forums such as the SCO.
