Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. PHOTO: APP/ File
ISLAMABAD:
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday that Pakistan’s efforts to end the US-Iran war did not pose any risks to the country; rather, its benefits were enormous, emphasizing that staying away from the conflict was not an option.
In a televised interview, Asif said Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye were involved in efforts to stop the war and prevent further destruction in the region, adding that Islamabad played a “very central role” in ending a conflict involving a brotherly Muslim community.
Asif described the situation as a historic opportunity for Pakistan. “We have to build on these opportunities that nature provides. I think it’s not an option to go away,” he said, adding that there weren’t “a lot of big risk factors” for Pakistan and “I think the benefits are huge.”
The defense minister credited Pakistan’s mediation role for its “improved image” internationally and among Muslim countries after last year’s military conflict with India. He said Pakistan is at a “unique phase” in its history, characterized by strong trust and confidence.
“Another side of this coin is our relationship with the US and the direction they have taken,” Asif told the interviewer, adding that Pakistan had never before achieved the kind of position it has now in its diplomacy with Washington.
He pointed out that Pakistan is in an active state of war with Afghanistan, while tensions with India remain “lukewarm”. “I think history is in the making. Pakistan’s leadership and the hybrid system … is delivering. I think both Pindi and Islamabad have realized that Pakistan’s respect is anchored in a common leadership front,” he said.
Asked about the mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom’s possible response to Iran, he said: “We could be subject to the situation, you’re absolutely right. That’s why the role of diplomacy is all the more important, so we don’t let that situation arise and avoid it.”
Asked about reports of Pakistan hosting US-Iran talks, Asif declined to comment directly, saying it would be better for the process to unfold naturally. He also reprimanded Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar for derogatory remarks about Pakistan.
Regarding operations in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan had succeeded in creating pressure but could not predict the long-term outcome. “The operation we started has not been completed, there was a pause due to Eid and the world’s attention is currently on a larger conflict,” he said.
“We will not give them any breathing space; there is no doubt about that. We have to finish this operation to achieve maximum results,” he added. The minister expressed hope that China’s influence in Afghanistan would help resolve the crisis once and for all.
