Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reaffirmed on Wednesday Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the Afghan Taliban. However, he made it clear that meaningful talks hinge on the Taliban taking concrete steps to hand over terrorists and dismantle terror infrastructure operating within Afghanistan. This stance underscores Pakistan’s firm position that peace talks cannot proceed without addressing the root causes of cross-border militancy.
In a detailed television interview, the military spokesperson emphasized that the Afghan Taliban face a critical choice: whether to support the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and terrorism or to prioritize peaceful relations with Pakistan. He accused the Taliban regime of providing sanctuary to militants, some even operating from within government buildings, and urged them to take decisive action by surrendering these elements and shutting down terrorist hubs. This demand highlights the ongoing security concerns Pakistan faces due to militant activities emanating from Afghan soil.
Expanding on the issue, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed alarming developments, including the Afghan Taliban inviting Somalia’s Al-Shabaab to establish a presence in Afghanistan. He also mentioned contacts with Hamza bin Laden, son of the late Osama bin Laden, who is reportedly being encouraged to relocate to Afghanistan. These revelations paint a troubling picture of Afghanistan becoming a nexus for global terrorism, which Pakistan is actively working to contain. The DG ISPR underlined that Pakistan’s military operations are not only defensive but also crucial for regional and global security.
Addressing recent military actions, the ISPR chief detailed Pakistan’s targeted strikes on weapons depots and drone storage facilities in Kabul. These sites were reportedly being used to launch attacks against Pakistani forces. He noted that these airstrikes were a direct response to 53 assaults carried out by Afghan Taliban forces on Pakistani border posts. “They initiated the conflict, and Pakistan responded accordingly,” he stated, adding that Pakistani forces have since struck 81 locations linked to terrorist infrastructure. The explosions from these strikes were visible across Kabul, and the DG dismissed allegations of civilian casualties as unfounded propaganda.
Further, Lt Gen Chaudhry accused Taliban militants of often disguising themselves in civilian attire and using vulnerable individuals, including drug addicts, for suicide missions. He made a clear distinction between Pakistan’s stance towards the Afghan people and terrorists, describing Afghans as “brothers and sisters” who themselves suffer under the current regime’s oppressive warlords. “Our operations target terrorists, not the Afghan population,” he emphasized, seeking to clarify Pakistan’s position amid rising tensions.
The ISPR chief also refuted claims that Pakistan has imposed war on Afghanistan, asserting instead that Pakistan has been the victim of a prolonged war on terror, which has cost thousands of lives over several decades. He highlighted foreign interference in the region, specifically accusing India of supporting terrorism by supplying drones to the Afghan Taliban and using Afghanistan as a base for hostile activities against Pakistan. These accusations reflect longstanding geopolitical tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Providing historical context, Lt Gen Chaudhry cited past terrorist attacks such as the Tarlai mosque blast and the assault on Wana Cadet College, attributing these to militants trained in Afghanistan. He also mentioned the presence of foreign terrorist leaders within Afghan territory, reinforcing Pakistan’s concerns about cross-border militancy. The DG ISPR concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s openness to dialogue but stressed that such talks must be backed by tangible actions against terrorism to be productive.
In the same interview, Lt Gen Chaudhry dismissed as “ridiculous” allegations that Pakistan had targeted a drug rehabilitation center during recent strikes, clarifying that the military had in fact hit an ammunition storage depot. He questioned the logic behind claims that a drug rehab center would be located adjacent to missile and ammunition stockpiles, labeling such assertions as baseless. This clarification aimed to counter misinformation and reinforce the legitimacy of Pakistan’s military operations.
Overall, the ISPR chief painted a complex picture of the security landscape along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, highlighting the challenges posed by terrorist sanctuaries and foreign interference. He stressed that Pakistan’s military actions are part of a broader campaign against terrorism, which has been thrust upon the country by militants and their external backers. The recent airstrikes and border operations underscore Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and regional stability while leaving the door open for peace talks under the right conditions.
