No tolerance for cross-border terrorism

2026-03-01 - 22:33

Tensions along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border have once again escalated following a well-coordinated aggression by Afghan Taliban Malatia and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK). The latest round of violence, officials say, followed a February 26 press conference in Tel Aviv where India and Israel overtly announced financial and military support for the Afghan Taliban regime. Islamabad views this development as a dangerous escalation with direct implications for regional stability.Within a day of this announcement, large-scale attacks were launched by Afghan Taliban and FAK across multiple sectors of the Pak-Afghan border. Pakistani security forces report that the terrorist attacks targeted military posts, police checkpoints and Frontier Constabulary (FC) convoysin Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In one incident, a lieutenant colonel and several soldiers were martyred. According to official figures released by Islamabad, Pakistan’s retaliatory operations have, by March 1, 2026, resulted in the killing of more than 375 terrorists of FAK and Afghan Taliban troops. Besides, there have been colossal losses of Afghan Military equipment; tanks, APCs, Artillery and ammunitions dumps. Pakistan also captured dozens of Afghan posts across the Pak-Afghan border. This is not the first time Pakistan has responded forcefully to cross-border attacks. In October 2025, following a spike in militant activity originating from Afghan territory, Pakistan carried out calibrated strikes against alleged terrorist hideouts. The crisis was subsequently de-escalated through mediation efforts led by Qatar and Turkey, culminating in a ceasefire agreement in Doha. This ceasefire has remained fragile. Soon after its signing, Afghanistan’s Defence Minister, Mullah Yaqoob, publicly questioned the legitimacy of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, describing it as “hypothetical.” Islamabad interpreted this statement as undermining the spirit of the agreement and exacerbating mistrust at a sensitive moment. Pakistani officials argue that durable peace cannot be built while the sanctity of internationally recognized borders is contested and until Afghan soil is used against Pakistan by Afghan Taliban regime. At the core of the dispute lies Pakistan’s longstanding claim that Afghan soil is being used to harbor anti-Pakistan terrorist groups, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Islamabad maintains that these organizations operate training camps and logistical hubs in several Afghan provinces, facilitating infiltration into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistani security agencies claim to have documented a sharp increase in cross-border incursions since mid-2025, sharing intelligence dossiers and coordinates of alleged camps with Kabul.International assessments have also fueled the debate. The July 2025 report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team noted the continued presence of Al-Qaeda and TTP elements in Afghanistan and highlighted concerns about training facilities and operational linkages. Pakistan cites this report as independent validation of its security concerns, arguing that Kabul’s inaction amounts to tacit support and now Afghan forces have directly attacked the Pakistani military posts. Islamabad remains convinced, pointing to incidents in which Afghan nationals were reportedly involved in attacks inside Pakistan, including suicide bombings and assaults on security installations. Pakistan also underscores its diplomatic and humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. While many countries shuttered their embassies, Islamabad maintained its diplomatic presence in Kabul and advocated internationally for the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves. Multiple high-level delegations, including religious scholars, tribal elders, defense and interior officials traveled to Kabul to press for cooperation on counterterrorism and border management. Unfortunately, these overtures have not been matched by tangible action against FAK and other terrorists’ outfits. Rather, the regime is now directly attacking Pakistan. Pakistan also warned in the past that if cross-border attacks continue, Pakistan will exercise its right to self-defense by targeting terrorist camps wherever they exist. Officials emphasize that sovereignty carries responsibilities and that no state can tolerate persistent violence emanating from across its borders. The broader regional picture remains uncertain. Indeed, the external involvement by India and Israel add a complex geopolitical dimension of this entire process. The February 26, 2026 commitmentsof India and Israel will have many implications for Pakistan. The way forward demands stoppage of terrorist attacks on Pakistan by FAK and other terrorist groups while making use of Afghan soil. Without decisive action against terrorist networks and a commitment to responsible state conduct by Afghan Taliban Regime, there will be no peace in the region. Pakistan is committed to ensure its sovereignty and national integrity. Pakistani military is all set to wipe out all the terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, being used by FAK and BLA. Peace and stability of the region depend upon the positive attitude of Afghan Taliban regime. The Indo-Israel collaboration against Pakistan, making use of Afghan geopolitics is posing a serious threat for regional peace in South and Central Asia. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s red line remains that there is no tolerance for cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.