Pakistan Warns Taliban Over Cross-Border Attacks and Terror Activity
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning to the Taliban, urging them to prevent terrorist groups from operating on Afghan soil in order to maintain regional peace. Failure to act, he warned, would have serious consequences for the Taliban administration.
In a televised interview, Asif said that cross-border attacks and terrorist activities originating from Afghanistan undermine existing agreements between Islamabad and Kabul and must be stopped immediately. He emphasized that the responsibility for securing the border lies squarely with the Taliban and other involved parties, cautioning that continued instability would ultimately harm the Taliban themselves.
Asif clearly stated that Pakistan will not tolerate any terror activities by groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He warned that any future cross-border attacks would be met with a strong and decisive military response.
According to Asif, in recent discussions, the Taliban demanded 10 billion rupees in exchange for relocating TTP members—while offering no concrete guarantees to halt the group’s activities. “Pakistan is ready to cooperate, but the Taliban administration has refused to provide assurances,” he added.
Asif also announced that the next round of talks between the two sides is scheduled to take place on November 6 in Turkey. The discussions aim to establish a new framework to control cross-border activities and monitor a ceasefire agreement.
He acknowledged the role of mediating countries such as Turkey and Qatar, calling them “trusted friends of Pakistan” but expressed distrust in the Taliban. “I believe in what Turkey and Qatar say, not the Taliban,” Asif remarked.
The defence minister also noted that there is unanimity within Pakistan’s government regarding security policy and negotiations with the Taliban, dismissing any internal discord in Islamabad.
Addressing India, Asif accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of engaging in dangerous military posturing to rally domestic support. He warned that any military adventurism by India would be met with a firm response from Pakistan.
Asif’s statements come amid ongoing border tensions, with Taliban and Pakistani delegations agreeing to hold fresh talks in Turkey in the coming days.
