ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has voiced renewed alarm over the recent surge in terrorist attacks across the country, attributing much of the violence to safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan.
Officials urged Kabul to fulfill its commitments under the Doha Agreement and prevent the use of Afghan territory by militant groups.
Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan had consistently supported Afghanistan and now expects reciprocal responsibility.
“Under the Doha Agreement, the Taliban pledged that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism or threats against the US and its allies,” Chaudhry said. “They should honor that commitment.”
According to data from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan has been conducting nearly 190 intelligence-based operations daily. Since January 2024, over 112,000 such operations have been carried out nationwide, resulting in the elimination of more than 2,200 terrorists.
Chaudhry noted that Pakistan had repeatedly presented evidence of cross-border attacks and urged the Taliban to sever ties with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). DG ISPR also raised similar concerns on Friday in an interview with a German news outlet, stating that “the base of operation that the Indians use is Afghanistan, the whole of terrorism that is being done is executed by the Indians over there.” He added that “Indians have a playbook of using terror as a tool of state,” claiming that their “main tools” at the moment are terrorist outfits TTP and BLA.
“We have provided proof that their soil is being used against us. The Afghan government must not only disassociate from the TTP but take concrete action against them,” Chaudhry said.
He added that Pakistan reserves the right to act in defense of its citizens.
“We have stood by Afghanistan for decades. But if they fail to act, Pakistan will do what’s necessary to protect itself,” he said, adding that the TTP operates as a proxy for anti-Pakistan elements, particularly India.
“India has long used such groups to destabilize us because it fears our rise as a regional power.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a recent visit to Bannu, echoed similar concerns, stating Kabul must choose between Pakistan and the TTP.
Senior journalist Sami Yousafzai, speaking to Pakistan TV, highlighted the Taliban’s internal dilemma.
“There are an estimated 6,000 TTP fighters in Afghanistan. Acting against them under Pakistani pressure could risk Taliban unity,” he explained.
While some Taliban factions view the TTP as problematic, Yousafzai said a broader confrontation is unlikely. He noted that recent relocations of TTP fighters to provinces like Ghazni were significant but insufficient.
“Pakistan’s expectations rise with every attack, but the Taliban’s room for concessions is shrinking,” he added.
Security analyst Dr Khurram Abbas pointed to Kabul’s “inability or unwillingness” to crack down on TTP sanctuaries as the core issue.
“Until Afghanistan takes decisive action, this cycle of militancy will continue,” he warned.
Dr Abbas outlined possible responses from Pakistan, including enhanced border security, precision counter-terrorism strikes, and expanded diplomatic engagement.
“Pakistan may also bring China into the fold as a strategic partner while increasing international pressure,” he said.
Despite rising tensions, experts agree that the path forward requires firm action against militant sanctuaries and renewed regional cooperation.