Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed a decisive counter-terrorism operation will be launched soon. He said this action will be multi-dimensional and highly targeted. Speaking during a private TV interview, he shed light on recent discussions in the National Security Committee (NSC) and outlined government policies on security matters.
Khawaja Asif revealed that the issue of relocating militants had already been settled before the latest NSC meeting. He admitted he did not attend that particular session because the matter was already decided. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had not questioned former army chief General (Retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa on why extremists were welcomed back.
He pointed out that lawmaker Mohsin Dawar opposed the repatriation of militants and raised concerns during the NSC meeting. However, Dawar was reportedly stopped from voicing his full opinion. Many others also objected to the move, but the resistance was handled quietly. The minister disclosed that around 4,000 terrorists were allowed to settle, leading to public protests in Swat.
Highlighting regional threats, Asif said terrorist activities in Balochistan were linked to neighboring countries—Iran and Afghanistan. He mentioned that Pakistan had conducted strikes on both sides of the border but avoided disclosing the number of targets hit. He warned that over 12,000 armed extremists are positioned near the border. If not completely eliminated, they could endanger the state’s stability.
Discussing the latest NSC session, Asif stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur neither supported nor opposed the new counter-terrorism operation. The minister reiterated that a full-scale, coordinated campaign will be launched soon.
He introduced two main strategies to root out terrorism. The first is a kinetic strategy, which means the use of force in targeted areas. The second includes a dual approach—a combination of soft and hard state policies.
Asif also confirmed his party’s backing for the formation of military courts. He emphasized the need to establish a strong state system that can counter rising extremism. He called for urgent reforms to deliver effective governance where radical ideologies are growing.
Referring to the situation in Balochistan, the minister said local tribal leaders have lost control over the new wave of militants. He explained that earlier leadership structures have been replaced by younger, more violent groups. He also recalled past political failures, mentioning Nawab Nowroz Khan’s execution by Ayub Khan and General (Retired) Pervez Musharraf’s role in the Bugti case.
Khawaja Asif criticized past policies, especially Pakistan’s involvement in the Afghan war during General Zia’s regime. He rejected the idea that it was a jihad, calling it a global power conflict where Pakistan acted merely as a pawn.
The defence minister warned that the nation must act now to eliminate terrorism from its roots. If not, the consequences will be grave. He added that the people are united in the fight, but decisive action is needed now.
He also commented on PTI’s stance, saying the party is not interested in counter-terrorism operations. He accused them of only focusing on their founder, ignoring national concerns. According to him, PTI believes Pakistan cannot exist without their leader. He criticized their refusal to attend key meetings and said their political behavior will not lead to solutions.
Khawaja Asif also clarified that Nawaz Sharif is avoiding meetings due to medical reasons. Doctors have advised him to limit his travel and public appearances.
