Editorial: The latest United Nations (UN) report on terrorism in the region has once again reaffirmed what Pakistan has long maintained—Afghanistan remains a safe haven for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The 35th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, submitted to the UN Security Council, confirms that despite repeated assurances from the Afghan Taliban, the TTP continues to operate freely across the border, posing a grave security threat to Pakistan.
The numbers are alarming: over 600 terrorist attacks in Pakistan between July and December 2024, many of them traced back to Afghan soil. This is a direct violation of Kabul’s commitments to Islamabad and a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked militancy.
Against this backdrop, Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir’s firm stance against terrorism is both timely and necessary. His message is clear: terrorists will face no mercy unless they surrender. Pakistan has fought long and hard against militancy, launching major counterterrorism operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, which dismantled insurgent networks and restored stability. But the resurgence of the TTP, fueled by Afghan support, threatens to undo these gains.
Pakistan cannot fight this war alone. Afghanistan must be held accountable for its failure to curb the TTP’s activities. The Taliban leadership has repeatedly assured Pakistan that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism, yet UN findings suggest otherwise. Reports indicate that the Afghan Taliban not only tolerate but actively facilitate the TTP’s resurgence, providing logistical support and financial assistance. This duplicity must be addressed, and the international community should exert diplomatic and economic pressure on Kabul to dismantle the TTP’s operations.
Another key aspect of Pakistan’s anti-terror strategy is the ideological battle against extremism. Militants distort Islamic teachings, imposing misguided beliefs on society, particularly by oppressing women under the guise of religion. General Munir’s reaffirmation of Islam’s respect and rights for women is a direct counter to extremist propaganda.
The road ahead is tough, but Pakistan has successfully overcome similar threats in the past. However, without decisive action from Afghanistan, any military success risks being undermined by a steady influx of insurgents across the border. Diplomatic engagement must now come with stronger demands and, if necessary, punitive consequences.
Pakistan can no longer tolerate a situation where its civilians and security forces are attacked by militants enjoying a free hand in Afghanistan. Kabul must make a choice: either honor its commitments and dismantle the TTP or brace for consequences. The era of empty promises is over—Pakistan needs real action, and it needs it now.
