RASC News Agency: Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has reiterated that “terrorist activities” causing instability in Pakistan persistently originate from Afghanistan’s territory. He emphasized that peaceful coexistence remains unattainable as long as “agitators and Kharijites” continue using Afghanistan’s soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. In his remarks at a military graduation ceremony in Islamabad on Saturday, April 26, Sharif stated: “We have repeatedly taken serious measures and sought dialogue with the Taliban on this issue.” He further asserted: “We have conveyed a clear and unequivocal message to the Taliban, who hold power in Kabul, that while Pakistan desires peaceful relations and harmonious coexistence with Afghanistan, this will remain impossible as long as Afghanistan’s soil is used as a launching pad for attacks against Pakistan.”
Sharif expressed regret: “Unfortunately, despite our extensive and sincere efforts, terrorist activities originating from Afghanistan’s soil continue unabated.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to confront security threats and protect its territorial integrity, emphasizing that Islamabad has consistently pursued peace and stability in the region. However, he stressed that Pakistan will not allow threats originating from neighboring countries’ territories to continue targeting his nation. Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have soured significantly due to the unprecedented security deterioration within Pakistan. Islamabad has accused the Taliban of harboring and providing refuge to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has been launching attacks against Pakistan from Afghanistan’s soil.
In response to these allegations, the Taliban has vehemently dismissed Pakistan’s claims of sheltering terrorists, particularly TTP members, as “baseless.” Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, emphasized that Afghanistan will not allow its soil to be used against other countries and stressed that the responsibility for ensuring Pakistan’s internal security lies squarely with the Pakistani government.
