Pakistan has always shown open heartedness towards Afghanistan. Apart from hosting millions of Afghan refugees over the last several decades, our leadership has always fought the case of Afghan people at all international forums, highlighting the need of engaging with them for restoration of complete peace and stability there. However it is unfortunate that Afghan authorities have never reciprocated in same manner and regardless of our repeated calls, the interim Afghan government is not showing any seriousness to address the issue of TTP. The statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir over TTP safe havens in Afghanistan highlights the gravity of situation that Afghan authorities need to fully understand with open mind and seriousness.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since November last year. Apart from assault on Zhob Garrison the other day, the militants also targeted security forces in Sui Balochistan, resulting in martyrdom of three brave soldiers who valiantly fought during the exchange of fire. The cumulative loss of twelve soldiers from these attacks marks highest single day death toll reportedly by military from terrorist incidents this year. Indeed this situation is not tolerable. This is why defence minister in his tweet rightly stated that Afghanistan is not fulfilling its obligations under the Doha agreement, as one of the key commitments made by Afghan government was to prevent its territory from being used as a safe haven for terrorist organisations. However, despite these commitments, the TTP continues to operate with impunity from Afghan soil. By allowing TTP to operate freely, Afghanistan not only undermines its own security but also risks becoming a breeding ground for extremism and terrorism. Time has come for Afghan government to act decisively against the TTP. Pakistan would be ready to extend every possible support in this regard.
