ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has raised concerns about cross-border militant activity from Afghanistan, warning that terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory continue to threaten Pakistan’s security, according to a report by Dawn newspaper.
Speaking at a ceremony in Kakul, near Abbottabad, Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with Afghanistan but said recent attacks have strained bilateral ties.
“It is our earnest desire to live in peace with them (Afghanistan) for all times to come,” Sharif said. “Unfortunately, despite our best and sincere efforts, terrorist activities continue to emanate from Afghan territory.”
Sharif also referred to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Kabul, during which Pakistani officials reportedly delivered a blunt message to the Taliban leadership.
“We shall continue our efforts to have better relations and understanding with our brotherly and neighboring country Afghanistan,” Sharif said. “However, we have also delivered a strong and clear message to the interim Afghan government that while we desire peaceful, neighborly relations, this cannot happen as long as Afghan soil is being used by Fitna-Al-Khawarij to attack Pakistanis,” he added, using a term that refers to extremist groups.
The Taliban have repeatedly denied allegations that they allow terrorist groups to operate from Afghan soil.
The escalating rhetoric follows earlier comments by Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who claimed that India’s influence through Afghanistan in supporting the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was “obvious.” In a separate interview with Sky News, however, Asif also acknowledged that Pakistan itself had supported militant groups for over three decades, calling it a strategic mistake.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen sharply in recent months, with cross-border violence and the mass deportation of Afghan migrants fueling diplomatic strains.
