Pakistan Warns of Firm Policy Toward Afghan Taliban
Pakistan should continue its current policy towards Afghanistan if the Afghan Taliban do not abandon what officials call a guerrilla mindset. This warning was issued by Talal chaudhry during a television programme.
Chaudhry said the Taliban leadership’s attitude toward Pakistan is different from its approach to other countries. He stated that Islamabad has repeatedly tried dialogue. However, he added that practical measures are now being taken to change Kabul’s behavior.
The remarks come after a series of deadly suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu. Pakistani officials linked the attacks to militants operating from Afghan soil. Security concerns have sharply increased along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Pakistan has urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used by terrorist groups. Islamabad says its concerns have not been addressed effectively.
Cross-Border Strikes and Rising Tensions
Following the recent attacks, Pakistan carried out intelligence-based strikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. The operations targeted hideouts of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and its affiliates. Officials also said militants linked to Islamic State – Khorasan Province were targeted.
According to Pakistani authorities, seven terrorist camps were hit along the border region. The government described the action as necessary for national security.
Chaudhry said the worsening situation stems from what he described as an irresponsible neighbor. He said Afghanistan claims to function as a state but continues to operate with a guerrilla mindset.
He added that Pakistan initially tried to resolve issues through dialogue. Now, he said, the government is using practical steps to push for behavioral change. He stressed that Pakistan wants to see Afghanistan act as a responsible state.
After the strikes, tensions escalated further. The Afghan Taliban reportedly opened fire in the Torkham and Tirah sub-sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s security forces responded immediately and effectively.
The spokesperson warned that any further provocation would be met with a severe response. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its citizens and territorial integrity.
Criticism of Taliban Leadership and Future Outlook
Chaudhry criticized the leadership of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, particularly Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. He claimed that multiple religious decrees are issued daily on certain social matters. However, he said there is silence when attacks target Pakistani civilians.
He pointed to attacks on mosques, Imambargahs, markets, women, and schoolchildren. He said the absence of strong condemnation raises serious concerns.
The minister stated that dialogue remains the ideal solution. However, he warned that Pakistan’s current pattern of response will continue if the Taliban do not change their approach.
He added that Pakistan is determined to win this fight against militancy. If peaceful efforts fail, he said, a hardline approach will fully eliminate the threat.
Security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains tense. Diplomatic ties face strain amid rising violence. Islamabad insists that stability depends on Kabul preventing cross-border militancy.
The situation highlights growing regional security challenges. Pakistan has signaled it will not alter its strategy unless there is a clear shift in Taliban policy.
