Islamabad (EFE).- Pakistan warned on Sunday that it will take action to eliminate “terrorism” originating from Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban regime of failing to curb armed groups allegedly operating from its territory following the collapse of peace talks in Istanbul.
“Pakistan’s core concern, i.e. terrorism emanating from Afghanistan needs to be addressed first and foremost. Pakistan will not leave any stone unturned to safeguard its territory and its people,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry specifically described the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “declared enemies” of Pakistan.
“Anyone harboring, abetting or financing them is not considered a friend and well-wisher of Pakistan and its people. Pakistan is determined to take every possible action to safeguard its interests and its people.”
The warning came after the failure of the third round of peace talks between the two neighbors, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, which aimed to ease growing cross-border tensions. Kabul accused Islamabad of violating the ceasefire and acting with an “irresponsible and uncooperative attitude” during the talks.
Islamabad said it had sought to maintain constructive engagement but accused the Taliban of responding with “hollow promises and inaction.”
According to the ministry, the Istanbul talks on Nov. 6 and 7 ended without progress because the Afghan delegation “avoided taking any measures on ground.” Pakistan proposed a “verifiable” monitoring mechanism to prevent militants from planning attacks allegedly from Afghan territory, but said Kabul rejected the idea.
“Anyone (…) could easily discern that the Taliban regime was only interested in prolonging the temporary ceasefire, but without taking concrete and verifiable actions against the TTP.”
The ministry stressed that Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and views the use of force as a “last resort,” but warned it would not hesitate to act if cross-border attacks continue.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since 2021, when the Taliban regained power in Kabul and the TTP, ideologically aligned with them, intensified attacks in Pakistan.
Islamabad, which had allegedly sheltered the Afghan Taliban for more than two decades, now accuses its former allies of harboring Pakistani militants responsible for attacks inside the country.
The Afghan Taliban have denied the accusations, saying Pakistan’s security problems are an internal matter and blaming Pakistani forces for failing to maintain security within their own borders. EFE
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