Afghan Soil Must Not Be Used for Terrorism, Says Pakistan Minister

Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, has asserted that it is the responsibility of the Taliban to prevent any group in Afghanistan from using its territory for terrorist activities.

He emphasised that Pakistan has made significant sacrifices for the Afghan people.

Speaking at a conference in Lahore on Saturday, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to foster regional stability and underscored the importance of reducing political tensions to achieve economic progress.

Iqbal reiterated Pakistan’s expectation that the Taliban would uphold their commitment to ensuring Afghan soil is not used for terrorism. He expressed concerns over the growing proliferation of drugs and weapons, stressing that if any group found refuge in Afghanistan for terrorist activities, it was the Afghan government’s duty to prevent them.

He also criticised the previous government, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, for the resurgence of militant activities. Iqbal noted that Pakistan is now confronting a renewed wave of terrorism.

The minister remarked that the people of Pakistan have endured significant hardships and made substantial sacrifices for the people of Afghanistan, bearing the repercussions to this day.

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan have become increasingly strained due to security concerns and border disputes. Pakistan has voiced alarm over claims that Afghan territory is being used by militant groups to stage cross-border attacks. However, the Taliban have consistently denied these allegations.