Pakistan carried out intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan. The prime target of the operation was the terrorists belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which along with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials. The latest attack took place on 16 March 2024 at a security post in Mir Ali in North Waziristan and claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.
Over the past two years, Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed its serious concerns to the Interim Afghan Government over the presence of terror outfits including TTP inside Afghanistan. These terrorists pose a grave threat to Pakistan’s security and have consistently used Afghan territory to launch terror attacks inside Pakistani territory.
Pakistan accords prime importance to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. It has, therefore, always prioritized dialogue and cooperation to confront the terrorist threat. We have repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective action to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistan. We have also called on them to deny safe havens to TTP and to hand over its leadership to Pakistan.
Pakistan has great respect for the people of Afghanistan. However, certain elements among those in power in Afghanistan are actively patronizing TTP and using them as a proxy against Pakistan. Such an approach against a brotherly country, which stood with the people of Afghanistan through thick and thin, manifests shortsightedness. It ignores the support extended by Pakistan to the people of Afghanistan over the last several decades. We urge these elements in power to rethink the policy of siding with Khwarij terrorists shedding the blood of innocent Pakistanis and to make a clear choice to stand with the people of Pakistan.
Terrorist groups like TTP are a collective threat to regional peace and security. We fully realize the challenge Afghan authorities face in combating the threat posed by TTP. Pakistan would therefore continue to work towards finding joint solutions in countering terrorism and to prevent any terrorist organization from sabotaging bilateral relations with Afghanistan.
A similar situation happened with Iran on 18 January 2024, where Pakistan was left with no option except responding. But, soon after the incident, both countries realized the seriousness of the issue and consulted with each other and resolved the issue amicably.
It is expected that, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two Muslim brothers, neighbors and nation of shared destiny, will come forward with an amicable solution to satisfy each other. It is well known saying that friends can be chosen, but, neighbors are permanent and no option of confrontation. Afghanistan has been facing foreign interference for almost four decades, and Pakistan always stood with Afghan brothers and extended full support in just protecting the sovereignty of Afghanistan.
Both nations not only share mountains, rivers, borders, race, religion, traditions, and culture, but also share the collective fate of the entire region. It is possible to have difference among real brothers temporarily some time, but, there should be never any ill-feelings for ever or enmity. We are just like one family, and can resolve all internal issues within the family amicably.
There might be some forces in both countries promoting such differences, and also foreign hands to spoil the relations among two brothers. But, both countries are mature and understand the importance of friendly relations among two brotherly neighbors.
It is time to unite, not to divide among the Ummah. Ummah is facing severe challenges, and require a close coordination and collective efforts to overcome challenges. Pakistan and Afghanistan are important member of the Ummah and can play a significant role, especially in Palestine-Israel conflict. We should spare all of our energies to contribute toward Ummah’s cause.
It is believed that Pakistan’s foreign office and civilian leadership possess a capacity to amicably resolve all issues with Afghanistan. We need to identify our common enemies and should not implement the foreign agenda in this region. We need to pro-actively initiate a dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s foreign office and let diplomacy play its role. Both countries understand each other very well, especially, each other’s concerns too. We must address each other’s genuine concerns and cooperate with each other with full confidence and trust.
It is also urged that any foreign interference and interests must be set aside and move forward with sincerity and trust to resolve all concerns of each other. We should spare all efforts to improve peace and stability of whole region and focus on economy and development of the entire region.
