Pakistan PM urges Taliban to take strong action against TTP
Three days after Pakistan’s airstrikes on Paktika, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the Taliban administration to adopt a firm policy against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He stated that the Taliban must take a clear stance on the TTP and emphasized that Pakistan would not tolerate a dual approach.
During a cabinet meeting on Friday, the Pakistani Prime Minister highlighted recent attacks in the country targeting Pakistani security forces, stressing that Pakistan’s military and law enforcement agencies are fully mobilized in the fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for strong relations with Afghanistan, particularly in trade and economic sectors. However, he expressed concern over the ongoing operations of the TTP from Afghanistan soil.
According to the Express Tribune Pakistan, Sharif stated that Islamabad could no longer tolerate the use of Afghanistan territory against Pakistani citizens. He added, “This is a red line for us; we will not accept TTP operations from Afghanistan soil, and we will defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity at any cost.”
Shehbaz Sharif urged the Taliban to have a comprehensive strategy to address this issue. He said that while Pakistan seeks improved relations with Afghanistan, it is unacceptable for TTP elements to operate freely within the neighboring country.
Emphasizing the need for a consistent and decisive policy, Sharif remarked, “You cannot say one thing and do another.”
Earlier, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for an attack on a checkpoint in South Waziristan, where they killed 16 Pakistani security personnel.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that members of the TTP find safe haven in Afghanistan, but the Afghanistan Taliban has consistently denied these allegations.
Meanwhile, Pakistani fighter jets bombed the Bermal district in Paktika province on Tuesday evening. The following day, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country had targeted terrorist centers. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, reported that at least 46 people were killed in the strikes, most of whom were women and children. The Taliban claimed that the victims were displaced people from Waziristan and vowed to respond to Pakistan’s attacks.
The ongoing conflict between Pakistan and the TTP, especially with the latter’s operations originating from Afghanistan soil, continues to strain relations between the two neighboring countries. While Pakistan seeks stronger diplomatic ties with Afghanistan, the presence of TTP militants on Afghanistan territory remains a major obstacle to peace and stability in the region.
The international community must play a role in encouraging both parties to engage in dialogue, address cross-border terrorism, and work toward regional stability.
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