Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday warned the Afghan Taliban regime against sheltering and assisting India-backed terrorist groups operating against Pakistan.
Speaking during an interactive session with a Jirga of tribal elders in Peshawar, the army chief said Pakistan has always extended the hand of peace towards all its neighbours, including Afghanistan, but it cannot and will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir received detailed briefings at the Peshawar Corps Headquarters on the prevailing security situation in the region, ongoing counterterrorism operations, and efforts to maintain stability along the Pak-Afghan border.
He was informed about the continuous efforts being made by Pakistan’s security forces to neutralize threats emerging from across the border and to dismantle networks that are trying to destabilize the country.
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Field Marshal Munir expressed serious concern that despite Pakistan’s sincere efforts — including diplomatic outreach and economic cooperation — the Afghan Taliban aiding terrorists had allowed India-backed outfits to regroup and launch attacks against Pakistan’s interests.
“Pakistan has always desired peace, especially with Afghanistan, but peace cannot be achieved if terrorists continue to find shelter and support across the border,” the army chief said. “We have exercised maximum restraint, but Pakistan’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness,” he added firmly.
The army chief appreciated the tribal elders for their steadfast support and sacrifices during the war on terror, particularly their cooperation with the security forces during recent border tensions. He hailed the bravery and resilience of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, acknowledging their crucial role in restoring peace to the region after years of unrest.
Field Marshal Munir reiterated that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism will continue until every militant and their facilitator is eliminated from the country. He vowed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be made completely free of extremists through sustained military operations and community cooperation.
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Highlighting Pakistan’s responsible approach, he said that Islamabad has made consistent diplomatic efforts to build trust and partnership with Kabul. However, the Afghan Taliban aiding terrorists instead of curbing them has only deepened the mistrust between the two neighbours.
“It is unfortunate that instead of taking action against these India-sponsored groups, the Taliban regime has chosen to facilitate them,” Field Marshal Munir remarked, stressing that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty and protect its people at all costs.
The tribal elders attending the meeting strongly backed the army chief’s position and reaffirmed their complete support for the Pakistan Army in its counterterrorism mission. They declared that extremist ideologies and the propaganda of terrorist outfits have no space within tribal society, emphasizing their unity with the state in preserving peace and stability.
ISPR added that the tribal representatives also endorsed the army’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism, agreeing that decisive action is necessary to ensure long-term regional peace.
