Pakistan has cautioned the Afghan Taliban regime that it will take the measures it considers necessary, in line with international law, to protect its national security. In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Kabul’s failure to stop terrorist activity from Afghan soil is the main barrier to improving bilateral relations.
Ministry accuses Kabul of sidestepping militant sanctuaries
The ministry said the Taliban leadership keeps blaming Islamabad’s policies instead of addressing the militant sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, which it described as the core of the strained ties. “Pakistan’s position is unequivocal: terrorism is a red line, and the security of its citizens is non-negotiable,” the ministry said, adding that Islamabad would not accept militant havens across the border.
Pakistan reserved the right to act against threats wherever they originated, the ministry said. It added that “Pakistan’s resolve to protect its people must never be mistaken for weakness,” and held the Taliban government responsible for threats emanating from its territory.
The ministry also rejected what it called Kabul’s attempts to shift blame, offer hollow assurances and question Pakistani policies. Such statements, it said, would neither resolve the crisis nor relieve the Afghan Taliban of its duties. “Pakistan’s security will not be held hostage to Afghan Taliban’s inaction, evasions or misplaced priorities,” it said.
Cross-border militancy and attack figures fuel tensions
Tensions between the two neighbours have persisted over Pakistan’s allegations, which it says are evidence-based, that militant groups operate from Afghan territory and use it to attack Pakistan. These groups include the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In an October 24 statement, the ministry cited United Nations and US assessments on militant groups in Afghanistan, including the TTP. It urged the Taliban to take verifiable action against the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army.
According to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Pakistan recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, its highest monthly total in 12 years.
Diplomatic efforts stall as positions remain apart
Despite repeated diplomatic contacts and mediation efforts, the issue remains a major point of contention. In September, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul wanted continued dialogue and cooperation with Islamabad.
Pakistan maintained that concrete action against militant groups was necessary before ties could improve.
