In a significant statement, Prime Minister’s Spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, clarified Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan, emphasizing that the country does not need to declare war but will continue its operations across the border until the link between Afghan Taliban and militant groups is severed. Zaidi’s remarks came in an exclusive interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera, where he addressed concerns regarding Pakistan’s security measures in relation to Afghanistan.
When asked if Pakistan had declared war on Afghanistan, Zaidi categorically denied the notion, stating, “We do not need to declare war. This is not a war; wars occur between two countries.” Zaidi elaborated, affirming that Pakistan was taking actions according to its needs to safeguard its territory and citizens from cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Zaidi made it clear that Pakistan’s actions were defensive in nature, aimed at protecting the nation from the growing menace of terrorism, which has been spilling over from Afghanistan in recent years. He emphasized that these operations would continue until Afghan Taliban and extremist groups operating within Afghanistan severed their ties with Pakistan.
Zaidi pointed out that the Afghan Taliban’s interim government was complicit in fostering extremism, particularly in areas that threaten Pakistan’s security. “Anti-Pakistan extremism in Afghanistan is supported by the Afghan Taliban government, and this is a significant concern for us,” Zaidi stated. He also highlighted that these ongoing links between the Taliban and militant groups have fueled violence against Pakistan, particularly along the border regions.
When questioned about restoring trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Zaidi provided a stark response: “We will not rebuild trust; instead, we will build a firewall to protect our soil and people from any further threats.” Zaidi made it clear that Pakistan’s priority was to ensure its security, and any efforts to rebuild relations would be contingent upon Afghanistan taking concrete steps against extremist groups operating within its territory.
Zaidi also underscored the need for the Afghan Taliban and India to work towards rebuilding trust, particularly in the context of regional stability. The Taliban’s actions, particularly in harboring groups hostile to Pakistan, have left a deep rift in the relationship between the two countries.
Zaidi reiterated Pakistan’s position on the Doha Agreement, which was signed between the United States and the Afghan Taliban in 2020. He stated that the Taliban must adhere to the terms of the agreement, particularly the clause that mandates the Afghan soil not be used by any militant group to attack other countries. “The Taliban must fulfill their obligations under the Doha Agreement, specifically ensuring that their land is not used as a base for terrorism against Pakistan or any other nation,” Zaidi emphasized.
Zaidi made it clear that Pakistan would not shy away from taking matters into its own hands if the Afghan Taliban failed to honor their commitments. “If the Afghan Taliban do not dismantle terrorist havens within their borders, Pakistan will take the necessary actions,” Zaidi declared. He assured that the country would continue its counter-terrorism operations along the border regions, without compromise, until all militant links between the Afghan Taliban and hostile groups were severed.
These operations, Zaidi stressed, are vital to ensure that Pakistan remains safe from cross-border terrorism and to maintain the security of its citizens. He also stated that the operations would be targeted, precise, and in line with Pakistan’s sovereignty and international law.
Zaidi’s remarks reflect the ongoing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the latter’s failure to curtail extremist activities on its soil remaining a significant concern for Pakistan’s security. While Pakistan has not escalated to war, Zaidi emphasized that the country would not hesitate to protect its citizens from the growing threat of terrorism, regardless of its origins.
“Pakistan’s goal is to protect its citizens and maintain peace in the region. We will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure our security, and we will not allow terrorists to use Afghanistan as a safe haven,” Zaidi concluded.
