In a strong diplomatic message, Pakistan has called upon the Afghan government to take urgent and serious steps to curb the activities of terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. Islamabad says it can no longer tolerate cross-border attacks, and that Afghanistan must act now to prevent its territory being used as a safe haven for militants.
Rising Tensions, Rising Attacks
Over the past few years, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks, many of which it says originate from groups based across the border in Afghanistan. Some of these are linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist networks. Pakistani officials argue that the Afghan government must not allow such groups to plan or launch attacks from within its territory.
In multiple statements, Pakistan’s foreign ministry and military have emphasized that the security of Pakistan is threatened by terrorists who find refuge in Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly requested Kabul to arrest, dismantle, or expel such groups from Afghan lands.
What Pakistan Is Demanding
The demands Pakistan is putting forward include:
Effective action — Not just statements or promises, but concrete measures like arrests, dismantling of militant hideouts, and cutting support networks.
Border monitoring — Closer surveillance and cooperation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier to block infiltration attempts.
Denial of safe havens — Ensuring that Afghan territory is not used for training, planning, or facilitating attacks into Pakistan.
Intelligence sharing and cooperation — Pakistan wants Afghan authorities to work with Islamabad’s agencies to trace and disrupt terrorist networks.
Swift prosecution — Bringing militants to justice under Afghan laws, not allowing them to evade punishment or roam freely.
Why This Matters
National security at stake
Pakistan sees terrorism as an immediate threat to its citizens, institutions, and stability. Frequent attacks, bombings, and shootings place pressure on the government to act vigorously.
Sovereignty concerns
When militants operate from foreign territory, it undermines Pakistan’s sense of control over its borders. Islamabad is keen to assert that external support or inaction is intolerable.
Diplomatic pressure on Kabul
By publicly making these demands, Pakistan is also putting pressure on Afghanistan’s government—its international allies, and the world community—to hold Kabul accountable.
Regional stability
If terrorist groups continue to move unchecked across the border, the conflict risks spilling over and destabilizing not just Pakistan and Afghanistan, but the wider region.
Challenges Ahead
While the demands are clear, implementing them is complex:
Afghan government capacity
Afghanistan may lack the full capacity — in manpower, logistics, or governance — to crack down effectively on all militant groups.
Political will and alliances
Some groups are deeply embedded in local communities or have political backing, making removal harder.
Cross-border jurisdiction issues
What happens when militants flee across the border? Coordination, legal frameworks, and trust between the two sides must be strong.
Risk of escalation
Pakistan’s pressure may provoke tensions with Afghanistan. Careful diplomacy is needed to avoid border clashes or retaliatory measures.
Recent Examples & Context
Pakistan has carried out intelligence-based operations targeting militant sanctuaries along the Afghanistan border.
Officials say many militants trying to infiltrate Pakistan are “backed” by groups operating inside Afghanistan.
In past incidents, Islamabad has summoned Afghan envoys to lodge protests and formally demand action after deadly attacks.
At times, Pakistan has even conducted cross-border strikes against militant bases — a tactic it says is a response to Kabul’s inaction.
One example: The Pakistani government has publicly urged the Afghan authorities to ensure that “Afghan soil is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistan.”
What to Watch Next
Will Afghanistan respond with new operations or policies against militant groups?
How will Pakistan and Afghanistan coordinate intelligence, troop movement, and border security?
Will there be international mediation or pressure — from the UN, neighboring countries, or other powers — to encourage cooperation?
Could escalation happen if militants react violently to crackdowns?
In straightforward terms: Pakistan is telling its neighbor, “Stop letting terrorists use your land to attack us.” It wants decisive action from Afghanistan — not just words. Whether Kabul will comply, and how both sides will manage the risks, will shape security in the region in the months ahead.