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Field Marshal Asim Munir strongly criticized the Afghan Taliban leadership for allowing India-backed militants to operate against Pakistan, asserting that Islamabad seeks peaceful ties but will not tolerate cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Sends a Clear Message to Kabul

In a strong and unprecedented statement, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, has condemned the Afghan interim regime for allegedly supporting terrorist networks with backing from India.

Speaking during an interactive session with a tribal Jirga in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the army chief expressed frustration over Afghanistan’s inaction against militant groups that continue to target Pakistan from across the border.

His remarks, shared through an official statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reflect a deepening sense of concern in Islamabad regarding the growing threat posed by militant sanctuaries operating within Afghanistan.

Emphasis on Peace, but Not at the Cost of Security

Addressing tribal elders and community representatives, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed that Pakistan’s stance toward Afghanistan remains rooted in peace and cooperation, not confrontation.

“Pakistan has always sought peace with all its neighbors, including Afghanistan,” he told the gathering, underlining Islamabad’s consistent efforts to stabilize the region through dialogue and mutual respect.

However, the army chief issued a stern warning that Pakistan would never allow its sovereignty or security to be compromised by cross-border militancy.

“We will not permit any form of terrorism to be perpetrated from Afghan soil against Pakistan,” he declared firmly.

This statement marks one of the strongest official positions taken by Pakistan since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021.

Rising Tensions Amid Persistent Cross-Border Attacks

The comments come at a time when terrorist incidents along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border have been on the rise, particularly in the country’s northwestern regions.

Over the past several months, militant attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, law enforcement personnel, and civilians have increased, many of which are believed to have originated from sanctuaries in eastern Afghanistan.

Intelligence assessments shared by Pakistani authorities suggest that several splinter factions of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to enjoy safe haven inside Afghanistan. Despite repeated assurances from Kabul, little progress has been made in neutralizing these elements.

The India Factor: Growing Strategic Concerns

Field Marshal Munir’s direct reference to “Indian-backed terrorists” underscores Islamabad’s growing unease about India’s presence and influence in Afghanistan.

While Pakistan has consistently sought engagement with the Afghan interim government, there are concerns that India is re-establishing covert networks aimed at destabilizing Pakistan through proxies operating near the border.

Security analysts argue that these groups benefit from logistical and financial support, allowing them to plan and execute attacks inside Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Munir’s statement serves as a strategic warning to Kabul that any cooperation with such actors would have serious diplomatic and security consequences.

Dialogue With Tribal Elders: A Symbolic Outreach

The meeting with the tribal Jirga in Peshawar carries significant symbolism. The region has long been a frontline in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, and its tribal leaders play a crucial role in maintaining local stability.

By engaging directly with these community elders, Field Marshal Munir aimed to:

Reassure them of the army’s commitment to regional peace.
Strengthen cooperation between the local population and security forces.
Highlight the need for unity against external and internal threats.

ISPR’s statement emphasized that the session reflected “Pakistan’s resolve to maintain peace and stability in the tribal belt through mutual understanding and partnership.”

Pakistan’s Efforts for Peaceful Regional Cooperation

Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly advocated for constructive engagement with the Afghan leadership. Islamabad has provided humanitarian assistance, promoted trade, and facilitated people-to-people exchanges in hopes of building long-term stability.

However, the persistence of cross-border attacks has strained diplomatic relations. Pakistan’s foreign ministry has, on multiple occasions, shared evidence with Afghan authorities linking these incidents to groups based on their soil.

Despite these concerns, Islamabad maintains that diplomacy remains the preferred path, provided that Kabul reciprocates by addressing Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.

A Broader Regional Context: Balancing Peace and Deterrence

Field Marshal Munir’s remarks must be viewed in the larger regional context, where multiple power centers — including China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states — have expressed concern over Afghanistan’s fragile security environment.

Pakistan’s position remains consistent: it seeks an inclusive, stable, and terrorism-free Afghanistan, one that contributes to the broader peace of South Asia.

However, analysts note that continued support for anti-Pakistan elements within Afghanistan risks isolating Kabul diplomatically and damaging its regional credibility.

Counterterrorism Efforts Within Pakistan

Under Field Marshal Munir’s leadership, Pakistan’s military has intensified counterterrorism operations under the banner of “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” aimed at uprooting militant networks across the country.

In coordination with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, these operations have targeted safe houses, weapons caches, and financing channels linked to foreign-backed militants.

The military has also strengthened surveillance and border fencing efforts to prevent illegal movement along the Durand Line — a measure that has significantly reduced infiltration but not eliminated it entirely.

The Afghan Response: Silence and Diplomacy

So far, the Afghan Taliban leadership has not issued an official response to Field Marshal Munir’s latest statement.

Afghanistan’s foreign ministry has, in the past, denied harboring anti-Pakistan militants, insisting that its territory would not be used to threaten neighboring countries.

However, the ground realities suggest otherwise. Various militant factions continue to operate openly in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, posing a direct challenge to regional peace and Pakistan’s border security.

Observers say that the lack of decisive action by Kabul has eroded trust and could eventually compel Islamabad to adopt a more assertive security posture.

India’s Strategic Playbook in the Region

India’s expanding engagement with the Afghan regime is another major factor in this equation. Despite not recognizing the Taliban government officially, New Delhi has quietly maintained contacts and provided limited humanitarian aid to preserve influence.

Security experts believe India aims to use its relationship with certain factions in Afghanistan to keep pressure on Pakistan’s western flank.

This alleged nexus, if true, could severely undermine regional peace efforts. Pakistan has repeatedly called on the international community to discourage such covert interference, emphasizing that stability in Afghanistan benefits everyone in South Asia.

Historical Parallels: Pakistan’s Long Struggle Against Cross-Border Terrorism

Pakistan’s position is shaped by decades of experience dealing with insurgencies and cross-border militancy. Since the early 2000s, the country has lost tens of thousands of lives — both civilian and military — in the fight against terrorism.

Despite immense sacrifices, militant outfits have continued to exploit Afghanistan’s instability, using it as a launchpad for attacks.

Field Marshal Munir’s remarks reflect both frustration and determination: a recognition that peace requires cooperation, but also a reminder that Pakistan will defend itself decisively if provoked.

Strengthening the Civil-Military Consensus

Political analysts have noted that the tone of Field Marshal Munir’s address aligns closely with the civilian government’s stance on Afghanistan. Both civilian and military leaderships appear united in their call for zero tolerance toward terrorism.

This growing consensus is seen as essential to presenting a unified national policy, particularly when dealing with external threats. It also sends a message to the Afghan regime that Pakistan’s concerns are not merely military — they reflect a national red line.

The Road Ahead: Diplomacy, Pressure, or Both?

Going forward, Pakistan faces a delicate balancing act. While it remains committed to dialogue and peaceful coexistence, it must also ensure that its territorial integrity and public safety are not compromised.

If Kabul continues to ignore Islamabad’s security concerns, experts warn that Pakistan may:

Tighten border controls and trade restrictions.
Limit diplomatic engagements until tangible action is taken.
Seek greater regional cooperation with other stakeholders to pressure Afghanistan diplomatically.

International Reactions and Global Stakes

Field Marshal Munir’s remarks have drawn attention from regional and global observers. Analysts believe that both Washington and Beijing are closely monitoring Pakistan’s next steps, given their strategic interests in regional stability.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has repeatedly called on all parties to curb cross-border violence and prioritize civilian protection.

For Pakistan, international support will be key in ensuring that its calls for accountability translate into meaningful action by Kabul.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations?

Field Marshal Asim Munir’s strong criticism of the Afghan regime represents more than just a military statement — it is a strategic declaration of intent.

By naming both India’s alleged role and Afghanistan’s complicity, the army chief has highlighted the growing complexity of South Asia’s security landscape.

Pakistan remains committed to peaceful coexistence, but it has made it equally clear that peace cannot come at the cost of national security.

Whether this latest message prompts a course correction in Kabul remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Islamabad’s patience is wearing thin, and any further tolerance of cross-border militancy could mark a decisive shift in regional dynamics.