'Ready for war on 2 fronts': Pakistan warns India, Afghanistan
What's the story
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has made yet another controversial statement, claiming that the country is "fully prepared" for a two-front war against India and the Taliban. "We are ready, we are prepared to face both the eastern (India) and western border (Afghanistan). Allah helped us in round one and He will help us in round two," he said. The remarks came after a suicide bombing outside the district court buildings in Islamabad killed 12 and injured 36.
Accusations made
Asif accuses Afghan Taliban of sending message through Islamabad bombing
Asif has accused the Afghan Taliban of sending a message through the Islamabad bombing. He said, "The rulers of Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war all the way to Islamabad is a message from Kabul." The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) initially claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing, but its senior leader Sarbakaf Mohmand and TTP spokesperson Muhammad Khurasani later denied any involvement.
PM's statement
Pakistan PM blames India, Afghanistan for terror attacks
Following the attack, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also accused India and Afghanistan of supporting terrorist attacks in his country. He promised a "befitting response" to such actions. Sharif pointed to a foiled attack in Wana, South Waziristan, as evidence of external involvement. He claimed that the TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were operating from Afghan territory with Indian support.
Border
Border clashesÂ
The bombing complicates ongoing peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban. Turkey and Qatar have been mediating these talks, which have yet to result in a long-term agreement. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter and support to TTP fighters, a claim Kabul denies. The accusations have led to deadly clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.