The tension escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan after a terror attack in Mir Ali Waziristan in which 7 Pakistani Soldiers including 2 officers were martyred on 16th March. Pakistan Retaliated with airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has claimed to launch airstrikes targeting “terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group” in Paktika and Khost provinces early on Monday, as stated by the Foreign Office in a statement released yesterday. Pakistan has repeatedly pointed out that TTP Militants are involved in the attacks on security forces and civilians. Pakistan has claimed that TTP have safe heavens inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has also alleged that some Taliban elements within the Taliban lead interim government are supporting the terrorist groups operating against Pakistan. The continued terrorist attacks have restrained the relations between two neighboring countries.
Afghan officials on the other side alleged that “civilian homes” were hit during these airstrikes. Additionally, reports emerged of cross-border exchanges of fire in Kurram district on Monday, with militants carrying out attacks in Mohmand, Nowshera, and Bannu over the weekend.
It is crucial at this juncture to ensure that tensions do not escalate further with Kabul. While terrorist attacks, whether targeting civilians or security personnel, cannot be left unanswered. Pakistan has the right to respond terrorist attacks. The Afghan Taliban government needs to realize that the tension will further escalate if it failed to contain and control the activities of the TTP militants.
Under the Doha agreement Afghan Taliban has the obligations to ensure that its territory should not be used to carry out terrorist activities against any neighboring country. Instead of denying responsibility, the Afghan Taliban should take proactive measures to prevent anti-Pakistan fighters from launching attacks within Pakistan, particularly if they aspire to be recognized as Afghanistan’s legitimate government. While addressing immediate threats to national security is imperative, Pakistan must employ a combination of incentives and deterrents to effectively address the issue of militancy.
The terrorist threat posed by groups based in Afghanistan has the potential to destabilize the entire region. Therefore, all regional states should collectively pursue a counterterrorism agenda with Kabul while utilizing bilateral channels to address concerns.
