AS Afghan Taliban continue with their policy of posting serious security threats to Pakistan by directly or indirectly carrying out aggression and sponsoring terrorists outfits, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has warned that the Taliban lack the capacity to withstand the consequences of any “punishments” for threats originating from Afghan territory. Speaking to Reuters, the military’s spokesperson said that Pakistan has the necessary capabilities to neutralize threats posed by the Afghan Taliban, including drone-related threats. He said that India is the “biggest terror sponsor” in the context of threats facing Pakistan and added that the Afghan Taliban and terrorist groups operating against Pakistan were acting as Indian proxies.
What the DG, ISPR, said was not rhetoric but fact supported by ground realities as Pakistan has a demonstrated capability to punish perpetrators of terrorism in Pakistan and their masters. This is also confirmed by latest developments as Pakistani security forces launched retaliatory strikes against multiple Afghan Taliban border posts, mortar positions and defensive installations after coming under unprovoked fire in South Waziristan’s Angoor Adda area. Afghan Taliban personnel were forced to abandon their posts and flee following the strong response by the security forces. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also administered a similar warning to Afghanistan, declaring in unequivocal manner that Pakistan will not allow threats originating from Afghan soil to undermine its security and reserves the right to take all necessary measures under international law. In fact, the Taliban leadership was trying to deflect responsibility by blaming Islamabad’s policies instead of confronting what Pakistan considers the core source of strained ties: terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s position is unequivocal: terrorism is a red line and the security of its citizens is non-negotiable. It is strange that on the one hand, the Afghan Taliban are approaching different countries of the world to play their role to help ease out tension with Pakistan but practically it is not willing to take measures to address security concerns of Pakistan. There is a growing realization among the international community that Kabul has become a hotbed of conspiracies against Pakistan and that its support for terrorism is creating serious challenges for people of Pakistan. Apart from numerous reports of the United Nations, Pakistan’s concerns have been shared by important countries including the United States. Recognizing Islamabad’s concerns over militant attacks launched from Afghan soil, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Afghan Taliban were not doing enough to prevent attacks emanating from their territory, forcing Pakistan to take its own action. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Kabul to take verifiable action against militant groups, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which is known to be operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s concerns are understandable as according to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Pakistan recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, its highest monthly tally in 12 years. As almost all acts of terrorism in Pakistan have their links with terrorists enjoying patronage of Afghan Taliban, Pakistan has been demanding of the Kabul regime to take verifiable action against TTP and other terrorist outfits operating from Afghan soil. The Afghan Government must realize that it was doing no good to its people by aligning with India vis-à-vis Pakistan as such a policy is not only creating security hazards for people of the two countries but also immense economic problems. Rebuilding and facilitating transit and bilateral trade, which has historically had a high multi-billion-dollar potential, benefits both landlocked Afghanistan and Pakistan’s regional economy. Border skirmishes will not solve the problems involved and therefore, diplomatic engagement is the only way out.
