Deputy PM Dar Calls Afghan Efforts “Not Enough,” Urges Zero Cross-Border Militancy
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Saturday that the Afghan Taliban’s interim government had informed him of detaining hundreds of militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but described the measure as insufficient to address Islamabad’s security concerns.
During a media briefing in Islamabad, Dar revealed that Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi had invited a Pakistani delegation to verify the arrests. However, he stressed that “far more decisive and sustained action is needed” against TTP elements operating from Afghan soil.
Rising Tensions and Security Demands
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist attacks since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Recent incidents, including a suicide attack in Islamabad that killed 12 people, have been linked to TTP leadership based in Afghanistan.
Key points from Dar’s briefing included:
- Pakistan has suffered approximately 4,000 casualties since the Taliban takeover.
- Islamabad’s primary demand is that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
- The Afghan Taliban were asked to either relocate TTP elements away from the border or hand them over to Pakistani authorities.
Strained Relations and Failed Negotiations
Bilateral relations have deteriorated significantly since October, when clashes erupted along the border, resulting in the deaths of nearly two dozen Pakistani soldiers. A temporary ceasefire was brokered in Doha with assistance from Qatar and Turkiye, but negotiations collapsed after Kabul refused to provide written commitments to act against militants.
Dar disclosed that Pakistan had been prepared to launch a “cleanup operation” inside Afghanistan, but halted the plan at the request of mediating nations. He expressed regret that subsequent talks yielded no progress, with mediators withdrawing in “embarrassment” due to the Taliban’s inflexibility.
Humanitarian Considerations and Border Measures
While the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains closed for security reasons, Dar indicated that Islamabad is considering a United Nations request to allow essential food supplies into Afghanistan. He emphasized that any such permission would be strictly for humanitarian purposes and subject to approval from Pakistani leadership.
Dar also addressed Pakistan’s stance on international peacekeeping, stating that the country is willing to contribute to a proposed International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, but only under a clear United Nations mandate and without involvement in disarming Hamas.
The deputy prime minister concluded by urging the Afghan Taliban leadership to review its policies, warning that Pakistan’s patience is wearing thin after years of cross-border violence and unfulfilled promises.
