Pakistan says terrorism from Afghan soil is main obstacle to ties with Kabul
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says terrorism originating in Afghanistan is the biggest obstacle to better relations. It urged the Afghan Taliban leadership to take practical action against militant groups.
- The information ministry says terrorism from Afghan territory is the main barrier to improved ties.
- It asked the Afghan Taliban leadership for concrete action, not only statements and assurances.
- It reaffirmed Pakistan's right to take necessary measures to protect national security under international law.
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said that terrorism originating from Afghan territory remains the biggest obstacle to improving relations between Islamabad and Kabul. It urged the Afghan Taliban leadership to take decisive action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
The ministry was responding to a social media post by an Afghan Taliban spokesperson, which was issued in a statement on Saturday. According to the ministry, the post ignored the real causes of tension and overlooked the security concerns behind the deterioration in bilateral relations.
The ministry said militant attacks launched from Afghan territory are a major barrier to restoring normal relations. It said the Afghan Taliban government is responsible for eliminating terrorist hideouts and for stopping armed groups from using its territory against Pakistan.
It also blamed the Taliban leadership's consistent failure to take effective action for the continuing tensions. The statement rejected the exchange of accusations and what it called empty assurances on the security situation, saying verbal commitments would not resolve the crisis without practical measures against militant networks.
The ministry said terrorism is a red line for Pakistan and that no compromise can be made on the security of citizens. It described protecting Pakistani citizens as the state's first priority and foremost responsibility.
The statement reaffirmed that Pakistan has the right to take all necessary measures to eliminate threats to its national security, in line with international law. It added that Pakistan's security cannot be left dependent on the Taliban government's inaction, delaying tactics or misplaced priorities.
The ministry called on the Afghan Taliban leadership to accept responsibility and show commitment to preventing cross-border attacks. It asked Kabul to move beyond public statements and take concrete action against terrorism from Afghan soil.
Why it matters
Cross-border militancy from Afghanistan affects security in Pakistan and the state of the country's relations with Kabul. The statement sets out Islamabad's official position on what it says is blocking better ties.
