KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – As the temporary ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan approaches its end, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has stated that the country’s attacks inside Afghanistan are aimed at “eliminating the threat of terrorism.”
Mr. Dar made this statement in a message published today (Monday, 23rd) on the occasion of “Pakistan Day.”
He said: “Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism. Pakistan’s actions inside Afghanistan against the menace of Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-ul-Khawarij/TTP are directed towards this goal. Our brave sons of the soil are sacrificing their lives in its pursuit. We pay tribute to our martyrs and heroes, who have rendered supreme sacrifice for the betterment of our collective future.”
The government of Pakistan uses the term “Fitna al-Hindustan” for Baloch insurgents known as the “Baloch Liberation Movement,” and the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” for Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and claims that these groups are supported by India.
After three weeks of clashes, Pakistan and the Taliban announced a temporary ceasefire from midnight last Wednesday on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.
According to a statement released at the time by Pakistan’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, this ceasefire will end at midnight tonight.
Over the past three weeks, Pakistan has targeted various parts of Afghanistan, including Kabul, the capital.
In the latest incident, on Monday night last week, the “Omid” drug rehabilitation center in Kabul was targeted in an airstrike, which the Taliban attributed to Pakistan.
According to Taliban figures, 400 people were killed and another 250 were injured in this attack, but independent sources have not yet confirmed these numbers.
Following the outbreak of clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan, various countries have called for an immediate halt to the fighting and for tensions to be resolved through dialogue. However, Pakistan has emphasized that it will continue its attacks as long as the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan is not eliminated.
