Pakistan`s defense minister said the country`s military could carry out a strike inside Afghanistan before the start of Ramadan to target militants, warning that delaying action would carry a heavy cost.

In an interview with ARY News, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said any operation should be undertaken as soon as possible, although he stressed he was not speaking on the basis of confirmed information.

"My personal view is that it will be before Ramadan; there are about 10 to 12 days left until Ramadan," Asif said. "Of course, I am only speculating and not offering advice based on definitive information. But this action should be taken as soon as possible."

He did not provide details on the scope or timing of any potential operation.

The Taliban Afghanistan have not yet responded to Asif`s remarks. They have previously warned they would retaliate against any military action by Pakistan.

Since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has conducted several cross-border strikes inside Afghanistan. In the most recent incidents, Pakistani forces carried out air strikes not only in border areas but also in Kabul and Kandahar, drawing strong condemnation from the Taliban administration.

Relations between Islamabad and the Taliban have deteriorated amid a rise in militant attacks in Pakistan. Recent deadly attacks in Balochistan and the capital Islamabad have been blamed by Pakistani officials on militants they say are linked to the Taliban and to India.