ISPR Highlights Pakistan’s Fight Against Cross-Border Terrorism

In a comprehensive briefing today, Major General Ahmed Sharif, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), addressed key national security matters, with a special focus on Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts in 2024, its ongoing battle against terrorism, and the country’s evolving relationship with Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, particularly those originating from Afghanistan, remain a key priority as the country continues to face cross-border threats. Despite significant counterterrorism measures, including the neutralization of hundreds of terrorists, Pakistan’s security forces and government officials have repeatedly stressed the role of Afghanistan in fostering or mitigating these threats.

In 2024, Pakistan’s security forces conducted 59,775 intelligence-based operations (IBOs), neutralizing 925 terrorists, including key operatives of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions. These efforts also led to the arrest of numerous individuals and the recovery of significant international weaponry. Despite these successes, a persistent challenge remains: terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, which continue to be used by groups such as TTP, Fitna Al-Khawarij, and other militants, to launch attacks on Pakistani soil.

Cross-Border Terrorism and Afghan Soil

A worrying development highlighted in the ISPR press release is the ongoing evidence linking terrorist operations in Pakistan to Afghan soil. 27 Afghan terrorists were neutralized in 2024, and Pakistani forces apprehended Afghan suicide bombers attempting to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The COAS has made it clear that Pakistan will not tolerate the continued use of Afghan territory by terrorist organizations to destabilize its security. The military remains resolute in its efforts to eliminate these networks and has warned against the facilitation and safe havens provided to terrorists across the border.

Pakistan’s measures to address the issue include the repatriation of 800,000 Afghan refugees, strict border management protocols like the one-document regime, and increased cooperation with Afghan authorities. However, these measures have yet to fully mitigate the risks posed by terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

Also See: Pakistani Airstrikes Carried Out on TTP Camps in Afghanistan

Diplomatic Efforts for Peace and Security

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has also been active in addressing the situation with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels. Afghanistan has remained a central focus in Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, with a strong emphasis on improving trade connectivity and people-to-people contacts. Despite border incidents, Pakistan has maintained its commitment to dialogue, recognizing that Afghanistan’s security is intrinsically linked to Pakistan’s own stability.

MOFA highlighted that Afghanistan’s role in fostering terrorist sanctuaries on its soil remains a major concern on the bilateral agenda. While Pakistan has extended its support for Afghanistan’s peace and prosperity, it continues to press Afghan authorities to prevent the use of their territory for terrorist activities.

“We remain engaged with Afghan authorities on all issues of priority and seek to enhance cooperation in trade, transit trade, security, and border management,” stated a MOFA spokesperson. Pakistan has also participated in regional peace efforts, including the Moscow Format talks held in November and the third quadrilateral meeting of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia. These efforts have reinforced Pakistan’s stance of supporting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, while urging the Afghan government to address the threats posed by terrorists operating from its soil.

Pakistan’s Continued Commitment

Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism are ongoing, with a dual approach of military action and diplomatic engagement. As the country continues to face threats from across its border with Afghanistan, both MOFA and the COAS have reiterated the importance of regional cooperation and the need for Afghanistan to take more responsibility in preventing terrorism. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of Pakistan’s citizens while fostering peace and stability in the broader region.