THE cross-border terrorism issue remains a central point in growing bilateral tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The unpleasant results of the third round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, held in Istanbul under the mediation of Turkiye and Qatar, have further exposed the non-cooperative approach of the Afghan Taliban.
Over the past four years, since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has suffered a sharp rise in terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory, notably from the banned TTP and BLA networks. Despite exercising restraint, offering trade concessions, humanitarian aid, educational and medical visas and repeatedly urging the Taliban to curb cross-border militancy, Pakistan says the Taliban have responded with “hollow promises” and avoided concrete, verifiable actions.
Zabihullah’s claim blaming Pakistan for the TTP’s resurgence is misleading and self-contradictory. The Taliban’s own General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) has repeatedly publicized operations in Nangarhar, Kunar and Kabul against ISIS and other groups throughout 2023–2025, confirming the Taliban’s limited control over their territory. If the TTP were Pakistan’s internal issue, why were its senior commanders killed while operating in Kunar, Nangarhar and Paktika—all provinces under Kabul’s control? UN quarterly reports record the continued existence of AQ training camps in Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Kunar, Uruzgan and Zabul, as well as active networks of TTP, BLA and ISKP across southern and eastern Afghanistan.
Contrary to Taliban claims, no ordinary families migrated from Pakistan to Afghanistan—only TTP and BLA terrorists crossed the border. TTP spokespersons have deliberately attempted to hoodwink the world on many occasions by portraying terrorists as “migrants.” Zabihullah’s narrative is a cunning attempt to confuse and mislead the international community. Pakistan’s demand is simple, clear and legitimate: apprehend these terrorists and their leaders. Instead of spinning false stories, the Taliban should act responsibly and hand over the terrorists to Pakistan.
After the collapse of the Istanbul dialogue, Pakistan’s Foreign Office recalled that the first Doha round produced an understanding on cooperation principles and a temporary cease-fire, while the second Istanbul round was meant to create an implementation mechanism. In the third Istanbul session, Pakistan again pressed for an effective monitoring mechanism to stop terrorist activity, but the Taliban side allegedly deflected, introduced irrelevant accusations and sought to portray the issue as a humanitarian or refugee matter.
Pakistan warned that any group harboring, financing, or abetting the banned TTP or BLA would be treated as an enemy of the state. Pakistan reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue but emphasized that talks would not involve terrorist organizations. It also warned against attempts to stir Pashtun nationalism in Pakistan and urged the Taliban to address internal inclusivity issues. The Foreign Office firmly emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences through diplomacy, yet it will take all necessary measures, including military action, to protect its territory and people from terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
The Taliban regime needs to realize that it has no genuine support in Pakistan. The Pakistani nation has rejected the narrative of Afghan victimhood and is tired of repeated lies. Through their own actions, the Taliban have squandered the goodwill and sympathy they once enjoyed in Pakistan.
—The writer is contributing columnist. based.
