A former Pakistani envoy has urged Islamabad to avoid rhetoric and airstrike threats against Kabul, calling for measured counterterrorism steps instead.
Asif Durrani said on Friday, Febraury 20 threatening airstrikes is not a solution and warned that escalating language would damage the regional atmosphere and narrow diplomatic space.
His remarks followed earlier warnings by Khawaja Asif, Defense Minister of Pakistan, who said Pakistan would not hesitate to conduct airstrikes against Kabul if necessary.
Durrani said Pakistan’s anger over the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan is clear, but stressed that intelligence-based operations would be more effective than public threats.
He also called for reopening trade routes that have been closed since October 11, saying economic engagement should not be sidelined amid security tensions.
Earlier, Jam Kamal Khan said security must take precedence over trade, warning that border crossings would remain closed unless adequate guarantees are provided.
Relations between Pakistan and Taliban have deteriorated over Islamabad’s claims that militant groups operate from Afghanistan territory, a charge Kabul has repeatedly denied.
Border closures in recent months have disrupted trade flows and affected businesses and civilians on both sides of the frontier.
Durrani’s comments highlight growing debate within Pakistan over how to balance security concerns with diplomacy and economic ties with Afghanistan.
