US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged Pakistan’s serious security concerns over terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory, recognising Islamabad’s position that the Afghan Taliban administration has failed to take effective measures to prevent its soil from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Rubio said that the United States had heard Pakistan’s concerns and did not want the country to become a victim of terrorism.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s position, the US Secretary of State noted that Islamabad believes the Afghan Taliban have not taken sufficient measures to control terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory, prompting Pakistan to take responsive measures to protect its security.
“Pakistan is very concerned about terrorist attacks being conducted from Afghan territory. They believe the Taliban are not doing enough to control these attacks, and so Pakistan has taken responsive action,” Rubio said.
He further stated that Washington had certainly heard Pakistan’s concerns, emphasising that the United States does not want to see Pakistan subjected to terrorism.
“We certainly have heard Pakistan’s concerns on this matter, and we obviously do not want to see Pakistan subjected to terrorism,” the US Secretary of State added.
The remarks by Secretary Rubio underscore the international significance of Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and the security challenges posed by terrorist elements operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that the Afghan Taliban administration must fulfil its responsibility to prevent its territory from being used by terrorist organisations to plan, facilitate and launch attacks against Pakistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly emphasised that peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved while terrorist networks continue to threaten Pakistan’s citizens, security forces and territorial integrity.
The US Secretary of State’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s concerns reinforces the importance of addressing the root causes of regional instability rather than overlooking the security threats confronting Pakistan.
Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, stability and constructive diplomatic engagement. However, the protection of its citizens and national security remains its foremost responsibility.
No country should be expected to remain passive in the face of terrorism, and Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed through concrete action rather than mere assurances.
