Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has described terrorism originating from Afghanistan as one of the country’s most serious security challenges, calling for stronger regional efforts to address the threat.
Dawn reported on Friday, July 24, that Dar made the remarks during a meeting of foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan.
According to the report, Dar said lasting peace and stability in the region could not be achieved without addressing what he described as the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Dar alleged that militant groups continue to recruit, train and operate from Afghanistan territory under the “oversight and facilitation” of Taliban authorities. He also claimed that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, although he did not provide further details or evidence for the allegations in the reported remarks.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of allowing anti-Pakistan militant groups to operate from Afghanistan territory. Islamabad has particularly raised concerns over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it blames for a series of attacks inside the country.
The Taliban authorities have consistently rejected allegations that they provide shelter or support to militant groups seeking to carry out attacks against Pakistan or other countries. Taliban officials have said Afghanistan’s territory will not be used to threaten any foreign state.
The issue remains a major source of tension between Kabul and Islamabad. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to take action against militants it says are based in Afghanistan, while the Taliban has denied the allegations and called for dialogue to resolve security concerns.
Dar’s remarks come as Pakistan continues to raise the issue of cross-border militancy at regional and international forums. Relations between the two neighbouring countries remain strained by security concerns, border tensions and disagreements over the status and movement of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.