RASC News Agency: Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has voiced concerns that terrorism emanating from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan poses significant threats not only to Pakistan but also to other neighboring countries. Durrani highlighted that these countries fear the potential spread of terrorism from Afghanistan into their territories.
Under the Taliban regime, Afghanistan has become a safe haven for various terrorist organizations. Currently, more than ten militant, terrorist, and extremist groups are active within the country, including Daesh, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which have periodically intensified their operations. Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the TTP has repeatedly launched attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in civilian and military casualties. The group operates from bases in Afghanistan and coordinates its attacks from there.
Daesh also continues its activities from within Afghanistan borders, having engaged in numerous clashes with the Taliban over the past year. In his recent remarks on Tuesday, July 23, at a conference titled “Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Challenges and Opportunities” held at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Durrani emphasized the concerns of neighboring countries regarding the situation in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani envoy for Afghanistan affairs added, “Pakistan is committed to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.” He stressed that Pakistan aims to create conditions in Afghanistan that would facilitate the return of over three million Afghanistani refugees currently residing in Pakistan. It is notable that Pakistan has played a crucial role in supporting the Taliban. Many analysts believe that the Taliban’s existence and rise to power were significantly influenced by Pakistan’s backing.
Durrani also called on the Taliban to take decisive action against terrorist groups sheltering in Afghanistan, as these militant groups pose a threat to neighboring countries, including Pakistan. These comments come amidst escalating unrest in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the Taliban’s ascension in Afghanistan.
Pakistani officials report that members of armed groups opposing the Pakistani government are infiltrating Pakistan from Afghanistan. According to a recent report by Pakistan’s Geo News, Pakistani military forces killed three militants attempting to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan in the Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It is worth noting that some analysts emphasize the critical role played by the Pakistani government in the emergence and rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
