ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will continue its existing policy towards Afghanistan unless the Afghan Taliban leadership abandons what officials have described as a “guerrilla mindset,” Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Wednesday.
Speaking on a private television programme, the minister stated that Pakistan initially preferred dialogue to resolve tensions with Kabul. However, he warned that if the current pattern of cross-border security challenges persists, Islamabad would maintain its present course and consider further practical measures.
Chaudhry criticised the Taliban leadership, particularly Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, for remaining silent on attacks inside Pakistan while issuing religious decrees on other matters. He said this approach reflected an “irresponsible state behaviour” that continues to strain relations between the two neighbouring countries.
“The preferred path is dialogue,” Chaudhry remarked, “but if the current pattern continues, the existing policy will remain in place.”
Cross-Border Strikes and Rising Tensions
The statement comes days after Pakistan carried out intelligence-based operations in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. According to security sources, the strikes targeted alleged hideouts of banned militant outfits operating near the border.
These operations followed a series of deadly suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, which Pakistani authorities linked to militants allegedly using Afghan territory as a base.
Officials confirmed that camps associated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Daesh-Khorasan were among the targets.
Pakistan’s Position
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. While Pakistan continues to advocate dialogue, officials have indicated that national security remains non-negotiable.
Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan is determined to eliminate all security threats and will take necessary steps to safeguard its citizens if required.
The evolving situation reflects heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan signalling that a tougher approach may follow should cross-border militancy continue.
