KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Pakistan has once again called on the Taliban to take action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants operating in Afghanistan, as cross-border attacks in border areas have increased.
In a press briefing on Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said that the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan poses a significant obstacle to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
“This is a point we continue to emphasize with the Afghan side,” Khan said. “We highlight with proofs what is happening, the cost Pakistan is paying, the cost the bilateral relationship is paying, and the cost efforts to regional development and integration are paying.”
He expressed hope the Taliban would “recognize the gravity of the threat” and cooperate with Pakistan to address the issue.
The Taliban has not yet responded to these latest remarks. In the past, the group has repeatedly denied that the TTP or other militant groups operate from Afghan territory.
Since the Taliban took control in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in violence in areas bordering Afghanistan. TTP militants, who are ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban, have escalated their attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Islamabad claims the TTP operates from bases inside Afghanistan and accuses the country’s ruling regime of sheltering and arming the group to carry out cross-border attacks.
Two weeks ago, a suicide bombing claimed by a TTP-affiliated group killed at least 13 Pakistani soldiers and wounded 10 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Last week, the Pakistani army announced the killing of at least 30 suspected militants who were attempting to cross the border into Pakistan in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Despite ongoing tensions, both sides have recently taken steps to improve relations, engaging in talks in Kabul, China, and Islamabad, and agreeing to elevate their diplomatic representation to the ambassador level.
“We remain engaged with the Afghan authorities and approach dialogue in good faith,” Khan continued. “However, the core issue remains the sanctuaries that terrorists enjoy within Afghan territory.”
