Rizwan Mudassir
On the 27th of December, Pakistan conducted precision airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, killing over 71 terrorists, including several high-ranking commanders, and destroying key hideouts linked to terrorist activities. Among the facilities destroyed were a suicide vest manufacturing plant and the Umar Media Cell, an operations hub for terror activities. These strikes were not a spontaneous military decision; rather, they followed numerous warnings from Pakistan to the Afghan Taliban regime regarding their failure to curb the increasing cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. Despite repeated efforts to engage diplomatically, Pakistan was left with no choice but to act decisively.
The airstrikes were not a new development in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with terrorism; they were a consequence of the persistent, unchecked presence of terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan, specifically the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Pakistani government has consistently warned the Afghan regime that it was providing sanctuary to terrorist organizations targeting Pakistan. Yet, despite these warnings, the Afghan Taliban has failed to take significant action to dismantle these groups or curb their operations, forcing Pakistan into a position where military intervention became inevitable.
Following the strikes, the Afghan Taliban government responded sharply, condemning the attack as a blatant violation of international law and sovereignty. They labeled the strike as an “obvious act of aggression” and vowed retaliation, emphasizing their “inalienable right” to defend Afghan territory. While the Afghan Taliban’s condemnation is to be expected, their accusations ring hollow, given their well-documented history of harboring groups like the TTP. This raises the question: why has the Afghan regime, with all its resources, failed to act decisively against groups that have wreaked havoc across Pakistan’s borders?
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The numbers of casualties and terrorist incidents in Pakistan in recent months highlight the urgency of Pakistan’s actions. In just the first ten months of 2023, Pakistan experienced over 1,500 terrorist incidents, claiming nearly 1,000 lives, many of whom were civilians or law enforcement personnel. The toll on the Pakistani people has been devastating. In response to these growing threats, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated earlier this year, “If attacked, we’ll attack back,” signaling that the patience of the Pakistani government had reached its limit. He also confirmed that Pakistan has been conducting operations within Afghanistan, a necessary measure in light of the Taliban’s inaction on the terrorist threat emanating from their soil. The continued resurgence of the TTP after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul is a direct consequence of the Afghan Taliban’s alliance with the very same group.
It is essential to understand that these strikes were not a result of Pakistan’s aggression or desire to escalate conflict. Pakistan has long been committed to seeking peace and stability in Afghanistan, offering diplomatic solutions and taking every opportunity to engage in talks. Just this week, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, held talks in Kabul, reiterating Pakistan’s dedication to dialogue. However, diplomacy has been ineffective in addressing the core issue: Afghanistan’s failure to control its territory and prevent it from being used as a launching pad for cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan’s decision to conduct airstrikes was ultimately forced by the need to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. Inaction was no longer a viable option. Terrorist groups, particularly the TTP, have used Afghanistan as a sanctuary to regroup, plan, and execute attacks against Pakistan. If the Afghan Taliban were serious about fostering regional peace and stability, they would take concrete steps to prevent such groups from operating freely on Afghan soil. Instead, the Taliban leadership has allowed these groups to thrive, undermining Pakistan’s security and weakening regional stability.
The broader implications of these airstrikes are undeniable. Pakistan has long been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, bearing the brunt of the global war on terror, with thousands of civilians and military personnel sacrificing their lives to reclaim their country from terrorist control. The resurgence of the TTP in Afghanistan represents a direct failure of the Afghan Taliban to live up to their promises of peace and stability. Despite Pakistan’s sacrifices and its commitment to rebuilding its nation after the war on terror, the TTP’s resurgence poses a serious threat to its security.
What is particularly frustrating for Pakistan is the lack of a concerted effort from the international community to hold the Afghan Taliban accountable for harboring terrorist organizations. The Taliban’s actions directly undermine the progress made over the past two decades to combat terrorism. Instead of embracing the responsibility that comes with governing, the Afghan Taliban have chosen to align themselves with groups that continue to destabilize the region, perpetuating violence and suffering in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military response in Afghanistan, while regrettable, is justified by the reality of the situation. For years, Pakistan has exercised remarkable restraint, repeatedly warning the Afghan Taliban regime to reign in terrorist groups operating within their borders. When those warnings were ignored, Pakistan had no choice but to take matters into its own hands. The Taliban’s rhetoric of international law violations is a deflection from their failure to secure their own territory and prevent it from being used as a staging ground for violence against Pakistan.
As we move forward, Pakistan must continue to defend its sovereignty while simultaneously engaging with Afghanistan through diplomatic means. The recent airstrikes should not be viewed as an escalation, but rather as a necessary action to safeguard Pakistan’s national security and protect its citizens from the growing threat of terrorism. The international community must recognize Pakistan’s right to self-defense and take meaningful steps to press the Afghan Taliban to live up to their commitments under international law. Without accountability, Afghanistan’s failure to curb terrorism will continue to have devastating consequences for the entire region.
Pakistan has long stood by the people of Afghanistan, offering support and striving for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous neighbor. However, patience has its limits. The Afghan Taliban must make a choice: either take concrete action against terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan, or face the continued consequences of their inaction. The time for diplomatic niceties has passed; it is time for decisive action.
