Pakistan's Defence Minister Ditches Hope in Taliban amid Rising Border Tensions

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Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed his frustration with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, stating that Islamabad has lost faith in the group's ability to maintain peace. This comes as tensions between the two countries escalate, following a series of border strikes that left 10 people dead. The alleged strikes, which the Taliban blames on Pakistan, have sparked fresh tensions, despite a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Qatar and Turkey that was supposed to remain in place until now. According to Asif, Islamabad had previously tried to maintain a civil relationship with the Taliban, but has seen no positive change in their behavior. He recalled his personal efforts to strengthen ties with the Taliban, including multiple visits to Afghanistan, but felt that these efforts had been met with disappointment. The Defence Minister denied allegations made by the Taliban that Pakistan had carried out strikes targeting civilians, calling the claims baseless and unfounded. He emphasized that Pakistan only retaliates when necessary and never targets civilians. The current tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are a result of a series of incidents, including a recent suicide bombing in Peshawar that killed three officers and injured 11. The bombing was blamed on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims operates from Afghan territory. As the situation continues to deteriorate, President Asif Zardari has placed the blame on the 'foreign-backed Fitna al Khawarij', a term used by Islamabad to describe the TTP. With no signs of improvement in the relationship between the two countries, Pakistan's Defence Minister has made it clear that Islamabad is writing off the Taliban as a trustworthy partner.