Pakistan has categorically rejected attempts by the Afghan Taliban regime to deflect responsibility for the persistent deterioration in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, making it unequivocally clear that the security of Pakistani citizens is non-negotiable and that no government can evade its responsibility to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against a neighbouring country.
Responding to the recent remarks by Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the fundamental cause of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan is the continued use of Afghan soil by terrorist elements targeting Pakistan, coupled with the Afghan Taliban administration’s persistent failure to dismantle their sanctuaries and prevent cross-border terrorism.
Instead of addressing this fundamental security concern through concrete, verifiable and sustained action, the Taliban leadership has chosen to shift blame towards Islamabad, question Pakistan’s policies and issue statements that neither address the ground realities nor offer any meaningful solution.
Pakistan’s position has always been clear: Afghanistan’s territory must not be allowed to serve as a safe haven, recruitment ground or operational base for terrorist organisations targeting Pakistan. The continued presence and activities of such elements pose a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security and regional stability.
The Afghan Taliban administration must understand that diplomatic rhetoric, hollow assurances and repeated claims of pursuing negotiations cannot substitute for decisive action against terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory.
The Ministry underscored that Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue, diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues. However, dialogue cannot become an instrument for buying time, avoiding responsibility or legitimising the continued threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
It is particularly disingenuous for the Afghan Taliban leadership to portray itself as committed to resolving tensions while failing to fulfil its most fundamental responsibility: ensuring that Afghan territory is not used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan has made its concerns known repeatedly and expects the Afghan Taliban administration to translate its commitments into demonstrable action. The responsibility for eliminating terrorist sanctuaries and preventing their activities rests squarely with the authorities exercising control over Afghan territory.
The Ministry further reiterated that Pakistan reserves the right, under international law, to take all necessary and appropriate measures to protect its citizens, territorial integrity and national security against threats originating from beyond its borders.
No ambiguity should remain on this point: Pakistan will not tolerate terrorist attacks on its people, nor will it allow its national security to be held hostage to the Afghan Taliban administration’s inaction, evasiveness or misplaced priorities.
The Afghan Taliban leadership must recognise that responsible neighbourly relations require more than public statements and diplomatic posturing. They demand credible action, verifiable outcomes and an unequivocal rejection of terrorism in all its forms.
The choice before Kabul is straightforward: fulfil its responsibilities, dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and prevent Afghan territory from being used against Pakistan—or accept that Pakistan will take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to defend its national interests.
Pakistan remains committed to peace, stability and constructive engagement in the region. However, peace cannot be built on denial, terrorism cannot be normalised through propaganda, and bilateral relations cannot improve while the security of Pakistani citizens remains under threat.
Pakistan’s resolve is firm. Its sovereignty is inviolable. And its national security is non-negotiable.
