Analysts fear Pakistan’s new military offensive could hurt Afghanistan

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KABUL (SW) – The  National Security Council (NSC) meeting in Pakistan has decided to launch a “comprehensive operation” to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms from the country.
A press release issued from the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad said Friday’s NSC session was in continuation of a previous meeting that was convened after a terrorist attack at Peshawar Police Lines.

“The meeting has agreed to launch an all-out comprehensive operation with the support of the entire nation and the government, which will rid the country of the menace of terrorism with renewed vigour and determination,” according to an official statement.

According to an official statement, the NSC discussed in detail the threats posed by the rebel groups, especially those linked with the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

“As a result of the support given by these returning dangerous terrorists and various terrorist organisations present in large numbers in Afghanistan, peace and stability in the country was destroyed which was achieved as a result of countless sacrifices and continuous efforts,” it said.

The Dawn newspaper quoted sources as saying that the federal government would ask the top brass for a briefing on potential threats from militants in case elections were held in the Punjab province on May 14 as per the Supreme Court’s order.

Last month, the Pakistan Army informed the Election Commission of Pakistan that its troops will not be available for poll-related duties due to the prevalent law and order situation in the country.

Analysts believe that carrying out military operations against members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan will also affect Afghanistan due to political and ideological proximity.
Mohammad Akram Arefi, professor of international relations, told Salam Watandar that any tension in the tribal areas will affect both sides.
“Any kind of tension in the tribal areas and near the borders of Afghanistan, and if these tensions turn into an armed conflict, it will affect both sides, especially Afghanistan.”
In the same way, Abdul Wahid Ghatak, an expert on military affairs, said that whenever Pakistan faces a problem, it points its finger of criticism towards Afghanistan. “Whenever Pakistan’s security problems increase there, it points to Afghanistan. Naturally, we face security problems.”

On the other hand, Alisajad Mollai, an international security researcher, said that Pakistan is facing a serious threat from fundamentalist forces, and for this reason, it is carrying out this operation. “Pakistan is facing a severe internal challenge which is fundamentalism, and this threatens the security and survival of Pakistan; For this reason, Pakistan is going towards this operation. The development that happens in the field of operations, an old and cordial relationship between the militant groups that have a good relationship in the northeast of Pakistan, it is possible that they will come to Afghanistan when the intensity of the operation increases. Pakistan will chase them to the territory of Afghanistan. It can affect relationships.”

However, Bilal Karimi, one of the deputy spokespersons of the Islamic Emirate, has said that Afghanistan is not a threat to any country and the Islamic Emirate wants stability in the region. “In this case, I must say that this issue is Pakistan’s internal issue and it concerns them; But the Islamic Emirate wants to ensure security, peace and stability in the entire region, especially in the neighboring countries. But again, I must remind that there is no threat or damage to the countries from Afghanistan, and we do not want to be in tension with any country.”

ENDS

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