Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the Afghan Taliban, provided they take concrete steps against terrorism. Speaking on Wednesday, the military spokesperson made it clear that any meaningful talks hinge on the Afghan Taliban’s commitment to hand over terrorists and dismantle the terror infrastructure operating within Afghanistan. This stance highlights Pakistan’s firm position on ensuring that peace talks are not merely symbolic but are backed by tangible actions against militants.
During a detailed television interview, Lt Gen Chaudhry underscored the dilemma facing the Afghan Taliban leadership, urging them to choose between supporting the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or fostering peaceful relations with Pakistan. He questioned whether the Taliban regime prioritizes terrorism or regional stability, emphasizing that their current sheltering of terrorists, including within official government buildings, is unacceptable. The ISPR chief called on the Afghan Taliban to take responsibility by handing over militants to Pakistani authorities and shutting down terror hubs that threaten Pakistan’s security.
Adding further gravity to the situation, the DG ISPR revealed alarming intelligence suggesting that the Afghan Taliban had extended invitations to Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militants to establish a presence in Afghanistan. Moreover, they are reportedly in contact with Hamza bin Laden, son of the late Osama bin Laden, encouraging him to relocate to Afghan territory. These developments, the military spokesperson, have transformed Afghanistan into a breeding ground for global terrorism. Pakistan, he asserted, is actively working to prevent the spread of these extremist networks, not only to protect its own borders but also to safeguard regional and international security.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also detailed recent military operations targeting terrorist infrastructure within Kabul. Pakistani forces have struck weapons depots and drone storage facilities used by militants to launch attacks against Pakistan. These precision strikes were a direct response to 53 assaults by Afghan Taliban forces on Pakistani border posts. “They initiated the hostilities, and Pakistan responded decisively,” he stated. So far, Pakistani forces have targeted 81 locations linked to terrorist activities, aiming to cripple the operational capabilities of these groups. The explosions from these strikes were visible across Kabul, dispelling claims of civilian casualties, which the DG ISPR dismissed as propaganda.
The military spokesperson further accused Taliban fighters of disguising themselves in civilian attire and exploiting vulnerable individuals, including drug addicts, for suicide missions. He made a clear distinction between the Afghan people and the militants, describing Afghans as “brothers and sisters” who are themselves victims of the oppressive warlords currently in power. “Our operations are directed solely against terrorists, not the Afghan populace,” he emphasized, highlighting Pakistan’s humanitarian perspective amid ongoing conflict.
Addressing misconceptions, Lt Gen Chaudhry rejected the narrative that Pakistan has imposed war on Afghanistan. Instead, he stressed that Pakistan has been forced into a prolonged battle against terrorism that has claimed thousands of Pakistani lives over decades. He pointed to foreign interference, particularly accusing India of supporting terrorism by using Afghanistan as a base for operations and supplying drones to militants. Pakistan has reportedly intercepted several drones crossing from Afghan territory, underscoring the complexity of the security challenges faced.
The DG ISPR recalled specific terrorist attacks, including the Tarlai mosque bombing and the assault on Wana Cadet College, both of which were orchestrated by militants trained in Afghanistan. He also mentioned the presence of foreign terrorist leaders within Afghan borders, further complicating the security landscape. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains open to dialogue but insists on guarantees and concrete actions from the Afghan Taliban before any meaningful negotiations can proceed.
In the same interview, Lt Gen Chaudhry dismissed allegations that Pakistan targeted a drug rehabilitation center in Afghanistan, clarifying that the military had struck an ammunition storage facility instead. He questioned the logic behind claims of a rehab center being located adjacent to an ammo depot, calling such assertions “ridiculous.” This clarification was part of a broader effort to counter misinformation and highlight the precision of Pakistan’s military operations.
Summing up, the ISPR chief reiterated that Pakistan’s military actions are part of a larger, ongoing campaign against terrorism, which has been imposed on the country by militant groups and their external backers. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s response to attacks from Afghan Taliban forces is measured and justified, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks rather than targeting civilians. The recent Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, though temporarily paused, remains a key element of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy. Lt Gen Chaudhry concluded by urging the Afghan Taliban to take decisive steps against terrorism to pave the way for constructive dialogue and lasting peace in the region.
