Afghan Taliban aware of Pakistan’s concerns, need verifiable steps for ceasefire

In Peshawar, a senior security official expressed concerns about deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban regime. The Afghan Taliban are well aware of Pakistan’s anxieties regarding terrorist activities within their territory, but they must take “verifiable steps” for any dialogue or ceasefire to materialize.

Relations have reached their lowest point since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan four years ago. On February 22nd, Pakistan targeted terrorist camps and hideouts overnight in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan, leading to unprovoked retaliatory attacks along the border by the Afghan Taliban last week. In response, Pakistan initiated Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26th.

At an Inter-Services Public Relations briefing for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-based journalists, the official stated that despite Pakistan’s desire for peace and security, the Afghan regime remained unresponsive. “If they want dialogue or a ceasefire,” he said, “they must take verifiable steps.” He added, “Our priority remains our country’s security.”

The official highlighted the unique nature of the Pak-Afghan border, which is solely guarded by Pakistan on one side against militant infiltration. On the other side, terrorist elements are sheltered and facilitated. Despite this situation, Pakistan has demonstrated “utmost responsibility,” minimising collateral damage during operations.

“We do not wish to target anyone; our focus remains on eliminating terrorists within our borders,” he emphasized. The official detailed that Pakistan had already targeted Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in their fight against terrorism, leading to countermeasures from the Afghan Taliban. “The Afghan Taliban were protecting banned groups like TTP and other militant organizations with master proxy status,” he explained.

He also noted ongoing operations aimed at dismantling militant networks within Pakistan. However, until there is a unified national stance against terrorism and extremism, he said, complete eradication may not be possible. “Total eradication will remain elusive without implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) to curb terrorism along with extremism,” he added.

The official stated that Pakistan did not have an “interventionist agenda” in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs; it was solely concerned about countering terrorism on its soil. “We demand Afghan soil must not be used for terrorist activities against us,” he reasserted, highlighting the Taliban’s actions as a clear indication of their complicity.

The senior security official reiterated that the ongoing operations would continue until these objectives were achieved. The Afghan Taliban knew Pakistan’s demands, leading to retaliatory measures like protecting banned groups and providing them with weapons and resources. He also mentioned the destruction of 36 posts in Afghanistan used for attacks against Pakistan, emphasizing the necessity of such actions.

In a conversation about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the official praised the provincial government’s commitment towards counterterrorism operations. “The provincial government is well aware of the threat,” he noted. He also addressed the targeting of Bagram base in Afghanistan as part of destroying weapons and ammunition used against Pakistan. Noting that Tirah was already secure, he underscored that security forces had targeted attack bases without requiring a full-scale operation.

These developments highlight the complex dynamics between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, underlining the challenges faced by both nations in fostering stability amidst ongoing terrorist activities.