Islamabad has once again criticized Kabul regarding the identity of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, further straining relations between the two nations. According to sources, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, stated on Sunday that a significant portion, approximately 70%, of TTP militants entering Pakistan are Afghan nationals.
General Munir urged the government in Kabul to implement stricter border security measures to prevent further escalation of security tensions. He called on the Taliban leadership to take concrete steps to prevent militants from using Afghan territory as a launchpad for attacks within Pakistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly cited security concerns as a primary reason for increasing deportations of Afghan migrants, arguing that militants exploit the porous border to launch cross-border attacks and destabilize Pakistani regions. These concerns have significantly contributed to the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
DZWatch has learned that relations between Islamabad and Kabul are at their lowest point in years, exacerbated by recent border clashes last month that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. While a ceasefire agreement was reached in Doha last October, subsequent peace talks in Turkey collapsed without a lasting resolution.
Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring armed groups, particularly the TTP, which has been responsible for deadly attacks within Pakistan. Afghanistan denies these allegations. The lengthy 2,600-kilometer border has been closed since October 12th, disrupting vital bilateral trade between the two countries. The closure highlights the deep-seated mistrust and ongoing security challenges that plague the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Analysts suggest that a sustained dialogue and cooperative security measures are crucial to de-escalate tensions and foster stability in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to prioritize peaceful resolution and address the underlying causes of conflict.
