AT the 258th Corps Commanders Conference presided by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, the top brass of Pakistan Army stated that sanctuaries and liberty of action along with the latest weapons available to terrorists of proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups of that ilk in Afghanistan is one of the major reasons impacting the security of Pakistan.
The concerns raised by the Pakistani authorities in recent days over the inability of Afghan interim government to act against the TTP are genuine. Ever since the return of Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks. Pakistan has also repeatedly engaged with the Afghan authorities, getting the assurances from the other side that their soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. But the situation on the ground is totally different. Terror activities in the country soared by 79% during the first half of 2023, a statistical report released by the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) showed. In an interview with BBC Pashto, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in response to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks that Afghanistan is not fulfilling its obligations under the Doha deal, said that they didn’t sign the peace accord with Islamabad. Such irresponsible statements are counterproductive and will not augur well for the shared objective of regional peace and stability. The Afghan authorities are duty bound to take firm action against the terrorists. It is crucial for the Afghan security forces to proactively identify and target the TTP strongholds, training camps and logistical networks. It must also be seen as to who is providing them with the latest weapons and these elements also need to be exposed. Enhancing border management is essential to curb the TTP. Whilst Pakistan has taken steps on its side of the border, it is for the Afghan government to prioritize efforts to secure its side of the border, preventing movement of undesirable elements. Improved border management will not only restrict the TTP’s movement but also facilitate the exchange of actionable intelligence for timely pre-emptive action. Pakistan has always shown open heartedness to Afghanistan and fought its case at the international forums. It is also for the Afghan authorities to address Pakistan’s concerns vis-à-vis these terrorist sanctuaries. Both the sides should engage and work out a mechanism to collectively and effectively crush the terrorist elements.
