THE revelations about the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) planning to unleash a wave of terror across Pakistan are deeply unsettling but unfortunately not surprising. Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the banned TTP, has been identified as the orchestrator of these heinous plans, communicating freely from his safe haven in Afghanistan. Whilst we have no doubt on the capability of our security forces to foil their nefarious designs, the latest disclosure once again highlights Afghanistan’s role as a breeding ground for terrorism targeting Pakistan.
The tragic incident in Bannu cantonment, where brave security personnel lost their lives, underscores the urgency of addressing this menace. It is widely known that TTP leaders, including Noor Wali, operate with completely impunity from Afghanistan. At her weekly news briefing on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted the fact that the Afghan authorities know the whereabouts and actions of the terror groups. Despite having full knowledge of their whereabouts and activities, the failure on the part of Afghan authorities to take decisive action, raises serious questions about their commitment to regional peace and stability. Pakistan has consistently demonstrated hospitality and solidarity with the Afghan people, advocating for their cause on international platforms. However, reciprocity is essential. Afghanistan must fulfill its obligations to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries within its borders. This is not merely a matter of bilateral relations but also crucial for Afghanistan’s own security and economic prospects. The Afghan people deserve a future free from fear and violence, and it is incumbent upon their leadership to make the tough choices necessary to achieve this vision. The international community, especially Afghanistan’s neighbours and potential investors like China, expect a stable and secure Afghanistan free from terrorist influence. It is imperative for Afghan authorities to heed these calls for action. They must demonstrate sincerity by cracking down on terrorist networks operating within their territory. The time for promises and assurances has passed; concrete steps must be taken to eradicate this menace once and for all.
