Pak PM on terrorism: cross border terrorism has to stop, PM indirectly targets Afghan

The newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif has taken a jib at the neighbouring country Afghanistan asking the country to stop cross- border terrorism in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Firm Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan emphasized his government's unwavering stance against cross-border terrorism. Following a surge in terror attacks within Pakistan, Sharif asserted that his administration would not tolerate any form of terrorism originating from neighbouring countries.

Addressing Militancy Challenges

Prime Minister Sharif addressed the escalating militancy challenges during the inaugural meeting of the apex committee, a significant civil-military body assigned to combat militancy. Notably, the meeting convened shortly after the Mir Ali attack in northwest Pakistan, which claimed the lives of two Pakistan Army officers and five soldiers.

Sharif, without explicitly naming any specific country, underscored Pakistan's commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with all its neighbours. He extended an invitation for sincere collaboration in devising strategies to combat terrorism effectively.

Expressing Pakistan's desire for peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation, Sharif emphasized the necessity of eradicating terrorism for fostering economic growth and strengthening diplomatic ties. He urged neighbouring nations to join hands in the fight against terrorism and condemned the use of any country's territory for terrorist activities.

The recent escalation in terrorism incidents has been attributed to the Taliban's takeover of the Afghan government in 2021, leading to concerns in Pakistan regarding cross-border militancy. According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed a significant increase in violence-related fatalities and terror attacks in 2023, marking a six-year high record.

Cross-border terrorism effecting country

In response to recent attacks, Pakistan conducted intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in border regions of Afghanistan, targeting terrorists believed to be launching attacks from Afghan soil. The country accused Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of seeking refuge in Afghanistan and retaliated against cross-border attacks.

Prime Minister Sharif, in a poignant gesture, visited the family of a fallen officer and pledged to eradicate terrorism, echoing the sentiments of the officer's father, who emphasized the urgent need for action against terrorism. Sharif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding its borders against terrorist threats, emphasizing the imperative of collective efforts in combating militancy for regional stability and prosperity.

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