Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country may launch an operation against armed groups based in Afghanistan before the start of Ramadan. Speaking to ARY News on Wednesday, he said the action would be taken if cross-border attacks continue to threaten Pakistan’s internal security. Although he did not specify an exact date, Asif indicated that the operation could begin soon, stressing that delays in responding to security threats have already cost Pakistan heavily.

Pakistan accuses banned militant organizations, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of operating from across the Afghan border and carrying out attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. Over recent months, cross-border assaults have increased, heightening security concerns in border regions.

A recent suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 31 people and injured more than 160, followed by multiple attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Asif warned that if Afghan authorities fail to curb these groups, responsibility for the consequences will rest with them.