Pakistan says dozens of militant groups operating in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
Pakistan’s army spokesperson has said dozens of militant groups in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are engaged in training, arming and planning cross-border attacks, describing the issue as a direct threat to Pakistan’s security and the region.
Speaking to Al Arabiya, Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry said Islamabad would continue to take the necessary measures to defend its citizens against these groups. He added that Pakistan’s military targets are determined on the basis of a decision by the country’s political leadership, and that Islamabad wants attacks and interference from Afghan soil to stop.
He accused the Taliban administration of allowing territory under its control to be used by groups active in recruiting, training, arming and directing attacks inside Pakistan and the region. According to him, United Nations reports have also confirmed this situation.
The Pakistan army spokesperson said recent UN reports have documented the presence and activity of dozens of groups in Afghanistan, including al Qaeda, Islamic State Khorasan Province, the Baloch Liberation Army, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the East Turkestan movement and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He warned that Afghanistan must not be allowed to become a centre of global terrorism.
Chaudhry, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter on the right to self-defence, said Pakistan’s government and armed forces consider themselves obliged to protect the lives, property and security of the country’s citizens. He added that Pakistan would take the necessary measures regardless of where or how attacks are planned.
He also claimed that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign over the past two decades has been a successful model. According to him, Pakistani security forces have carried out more than 42,000 intelligence-based operations this year alone, resulting in the killing of more than 2,100 militants.
The Pakistan army spokesperson also rejected the TTP’s claim of jihad and religious war, saying the people and government of Pakistan know the group’s actions have no connection to religion.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Pakistani officials have repeatedly warned that armed groups, particularly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, are using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks. The issue has also been reflected in UNAMA and UN Security Council sanctions committee reports and has in recent years several times led to rising border tensions and armed clashes between the two countries.
