By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
In a firm and unambiguous statement, Federal Minister for Information Ata Tarar has declared that any attacks launched from Afghan soil will make Kabul directly responsible. His words echo Pakistan’s growing frustration with Afghanistan’s inability, or unwillingness, to prevent militant incursions that continue to destabilize the region. For Islamabad, this is not a rhetorical warning but a clear assertion of sovereignty and national resolve.
Pakistan has consistently extended the hand of friendship to Afghanistan. From providing refuge to millions of Afghans for decades to facilitating trade and humanitarian assistance, Islamabad has acted as a responsible neighbor. Yet, the persistence of cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan territory undermines these efforts and erodes public confidence in the promise of peace. No state can tolerate attacks on its soil while being expected to maintain diplomatic restraint indefinitely.
The Taliban government in Kabul, now firmly in power for over four years, must acknowledge its responsibility under international law and bilateral commitments. Groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to exploit Afghan territory as a base of operations. Their activities not only violate the sovereignty of Pakistan but also challenge the credibility of the Afghan administration, which has repeatedly pledged not to allow its land to be used against any country.
Minister Tarar’s statement reflects the collective sentiment within Pakistan that enough is enough. The time for assurances and excuses has passed. Kabul must demonstrate, through concrete action, that it is willing to control militant groups, enhance border management, and cooperate in intelligence sharing. Pakistan’s commitment to peace remains steadfast, but it is a peace built on mutual respect and security, not one-sided restraint.
The consequences of continued inaction could be severe. Regional stability, already fragile, cannot endure if one state’s tolerance is mistaken for weakness. Pakistan has paid an enormous price, both in lives and in economic cost, due to decades of militancy. It cannot afford a return to instability fueled by cross-border aggression.
The message from Islamabad is unmistakable: Pakistan seeks cooperation, not confrontation. But if its sovereignty is violated, it will defend itself decisively. The future of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations depends on Kabul’s next move, whether it chooses partnership for peace or persists in silence that enables chaos.
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