By PakSolider.com | National Security Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has issued a clear and firm message to Afghanistan, stating that Kabul must choose between Pakistan and the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as tensions between the two neighboring countries continue to rise.
According to state media reports on Sunday, Field Marshal Munir made the remarks amid growing concerns in Islamabad over the presence and activities of TTP militants operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership have repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of facilitating cross-border terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has rejected these allegations, insisting that it does not allow its soil to be used against any country and cannot be held responsible for Pakistan’s internal security challenges.
Border Tensions and Failed Peace Efforts
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained following border clashes in October, during which dozens of soldiers were killed or wounded on both sides. Despite multiple rounds of peace talks held in Qatar, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, officials from both countries have failed to reach a lasting agreement.
While a temporary ceasefire is currently in place, militant attacks inside Pakistan continue, keeping tensions high between Islamabad and Kabul.
“Afghanistan Will Have to Choose”
State broadcaster Radio Pakistan quoted Field Marshal Asim Munir as saying that Afghanistan must decide between supporting Pakistan or aligning with Fitna Al-Khawarij, a term used by the Pakistan military for TTP militants.
Munir made these remarks while addressing the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad earlier this month.
He highlighted that nearly 70 percent of TTP fighters infiltrating Pakistan from Afghanistan are Afghan nationals, raising serious questions about the militant infrastructure operating across the border.
“He said innocent citizens, including children, are being targeted through terrorism with the backing of the Afghan Taliban,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Pakistan Warns of Decisive Action
The situation escalated further after Pakistan summoned Afghanistan’s deputy head of mission on Friday, demanding decisive action against TTP elements following the killing of four Pakistani soldiers in an attack on a military camp in northwest Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office conveyed that Islamabad reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens, warning that all necessary measures would be taken against attacks originating from Afghan territory.
In response, Afghanistan has previously cautioned Pakistan against any cross-border military action, stating that it reserves the right to respond to such provocations.
