Kabul must initiate action against TTP, other terrorist groups: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that Pakistan’s only demand from Afghanistan was to take action against the TTP and other terrorist groups operating on their soil.

He expressed hope that the international community would press the Taliban regime to honour its commitment not to allow its soil to be used for terrorism against neighbouring countries.

Pakistan did everything it could to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, including humanitarian relief, refugee hosting, and scholarship programs for Afghans, he said while briefing Islamabad-based diplomatic corps on the emerging regional situation.

He regretted that, despite repeated assurances, the Afghan regime never fulfilled its commitment, and terrorist attacks with evidence of Afghan involvement increased dramatically throughout Pakistan. He said that these attacks targeted civilians and places of worship.

Dar added that Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq in response to Afghanistan’s provocative actions last Thursday. He said that Pakistan remains a strong supporter of regional peace and stability, but it will not compromise its sovereignty or the safety of its people.

He briefed members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad on Pakistan’s position in the region, as well as, its ongoing response to the Afghan Taliban regime’s unprovoked aggression.

He remarked that all attacks carried out by Pakistan’s security forces as part of this operation are precise, proportionate, and measured, with no civilian casualties. He stated that Pakistan is acting in self-defense and with utmost restraint in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan expects the international community to condemn the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan, which is destabilizing the entire region.

Regarding the regional situation, Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan is in contact with all brotherly countries in the region and that all efforts are aimed at de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue and diplomacy.

He told the diplomatic corps that Pakistan should make every effort to de-escalate the situation. The recent escalation has exacerbated tensions in an already volatile and fragile situation. We are making full diplomatic efforts and requesting that all parties de-escalate.

He stated that Pakistan is deeply concerned about the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the killing a violation of international law and standards.

Dar emphasised the importance of keeping dialogue and diplomacy open and giving peace a chance. Pakistan also expresses full solidarity with all of our brotherly countries and emphasizes the importance of exercising maximum restraint,” he said, adding that this was the message conveyed by Pakistan’s leadership in conversations with others.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026