Pakistan has warned the Afghan Taliban regime that it will take all necessary measures under international law to protect its national security. Islamabad also said Kabul’s failure to prevent terrorist activities from Afghan soil remains the main obstacle to improving bilateral relations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the Taliban leadership continued to blame Islamabad’s policies while avoiding the central issue behind deteriorating ties: the presence of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
“Pakistan’s position is unequivocal: terrorism is a red line, and the security of its citizens is non-negotiable,” the ministry said.
It added that Pakistan would not tolerate militant sanctuaries across the border that threaten its security.
The ministry said Islamabad reserved the right to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to eliminate threats to national security, regardless of their origin.
“Pakistan’s resolve to protect its people must never be mistaken for weakness,” it said, holding the Afghan Taliban responsible for addressing threats emanating from its territory.
The statement also rejected what the ministry described as attempts by Kabul to shift blame, offer hollow assurances and question Pakistan’s policies.
It said such statements would neither resolve the crisis nor absolve the Afghan Taliban of its responsibilities.
“Pakistan’s security will not be held hostage to Afghan Taliban’s inaction, evasions or misplaced priorities,” the ministry said.
It urged the Taliban leadership to recognise that preventing threats from Afghan territory was its responsibility.
Tensions Over Cross-Border Terrorism
The latest statement comes amid persistent tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over Pakistan’s allegations that militant groups, particularly the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operate from Afghan territory and use it to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
In a statement issued on October 24, the Ministry of Information referred to United Nations and US assessments concerning militant groups operating in Afghanistan, including the TTP.
Islamabad also called on the Afghan Taliban to take verifiable action against the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s security situation has deteriorated. According to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), cited in a Geo.tv report, the country recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026. This was the highest monthly total in 12 years.
Despite repeated diplomatic contacts and mediation efforts, cross-border terrorism remains a major point of contention between the two countries.
In September, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul wanted continued dialogue and cooperation with Islamabad.
However, Pakistan has maintained that concrete action against militant groups is necessary to improve bilateral relations.
