Pakistan’s military spokesperson has reiterated that the country will take necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens from terrorism linked to Afghanistan, saying Islamabad’s position on national sovereignty and security remains unchanged.
Speaking at a press briefing, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan had the right to defend itself against security threats and would decide independently when and how to respond.
He said the recent increase in militant attacks had heightened tensions with Afghanistan, accusing the Afghan Taliban authorities of providing support or shelter to militant groups. The Afghan authorities have previously faced repeated demands from Islamabad to prevent their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan had no dispute with the Afghan people and said the country’s concerns were directed at the Afghan Taliban administration and militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
He alleged that several militant organisations, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, Islamic State Khorasan Province and Balochistan Liberation Army, maintained links or cooperation in the region. These allegations have been part of Pakistan’s broader security concerns regarding militancy originating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan has experienced increased militant violence since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Islamabad subsequently designated the group as Fitna-al-Khawarij and instructed officials to use the term khariji for its members and attackers.
The military spokesperson also referred to recent cross-border incidents, including Pakistani strikes against alleged militant positions in Afghanistan and drone incursions into Pakistani airspace.
In September, Pakistan said it conducted airstrikes against militant hideouts following attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and later carried out additional strikes after reporting drone incursions from Afghanistan.
The latest developments have added to already strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan continuing to demand action against militant sanctuaries on Afghan soil.
