President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the recent cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban, calling them a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. His remarks, aired on state television on Wednesday, October 13, come amidst heightened tensions along the Pak-Afghan border, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the Taliban and affiliated group Fitna al-Khawarij launched coordinated assaults on Pakistani military posts.
“The Taliban have failed to establish a representative government in Afghanistan and have instead monopolised power,” President Zardari said in his televised statement. “They have ignored other political movements and ethnic groups, and continue to violate the Doha agreement by allowing terrorist outfits to operate from Afghan soil.”
Calling the attacks “unacceptable,” Zardari warned of serious regional consequences if the situation is not contained, stating unequivocally, “Any action by the Taliban that threatens Pakistan’s security will be met with a decisive and forceful response.”
He also reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding demand that the Taliban ensure Afghan territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against its neighbours, particularly Pakistan.
