'Ready for two-front war': Pakistan's Khawaja Asif anticipates Indian attack amid conflict with Afghanistan

In a recent interview with Samaa TV, Asif said his country has already strategized in case of a "two-front war".

On any possible attack from India, Asif says, "We can't rule that out. Definitely, there is a possibility. During the previous conflict with India a few months ago, we didn't take troops from the Afghan border."

"Yes, the strategies are in place. We can't discuss it publicly but we are prepared for any eventuality in this regard. There is absolutely no doubt about it," the minister added, when asked about the preparations in case of a "two-front war".

Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict

Last week, Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan's capital Kabul coinciding with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's maiden India visit.

The Pakistani jets launched an attack on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul escalating the confrontation with Afghanistan, which is currently under the Taliban regime.

The strike, which took place near Shahid Abdul Haq Square, was aimed to eliminate TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, who is leading the organisation since 2018.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday evening after a day of intense cross-border fighting that left dozens dead and many others wounded.

According to a statement from Islamabad, both countries will “make sincere efforts, through dialogue, to find a positive solution to the complex yet resolvable issue.”

Pakistan claimed that Afghanistan had requested the ceasefire, although Kabul has not yet issued any statement confirming this or commenting on the truce.

India backs Afghanistan

India on Thursday backed Afghanistan over its conflict with Pakistan, stating Islamabad is known for sponsoring terrorism and blaming the neighbours for its internal failures.

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said, "... Three things are clear. One, Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terrorist activities. Two, it is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures.

"Three, Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories. India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan."

Pakistan launched the attack on Afghanistan at a time India is restructuring its bond with Afghanistan and forging ties with the new Taliban regime.