Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said terrorism originating from Afghan territory remains the main obstacle to improving relations between Islamabad and Kabul.

The ministry urged the Afghan Taliban leadership to take effective action against militant groups operating from its territory.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry said a recent social media post by the Afghan Taliban spokesperson overlooked the fundamental causes of tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

It maintained that the Afghan Taliban leadership had failed to address the root causes behind the deterioration in bilateral relations.

The ministry reiterated that Pakistan’s position on terrorism remained clear. It described terrorism as a red line and stressed that the safety of Pakistani citizens could not be compromised under any circumstances.

Terrorism Remains Key Security Concern

According to the statement, militant attacks originating from Afghan territory remain a major barrier to normalising relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The ministry said the Afghan Taliban government must eliminate terrorist safe havens and prevent militant groups from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.

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It also identified the Afghan Taliban government’s alleged reluctance to take effective counterterrorism measures as a major reason for continued tensions.

Furthermore, the ministry argued that exchanging accusations and making what it described as hollow assurances would not resolve the crisis.

It called on the Afghan Taliban leadership to acknowledge its responsibility and take practical steps to address security threats originating from its territory.

The statement added that public statements and verbal commitments would not be enough to resolve Pakistan’s security concerns.

Pakistan Reaffirms Right to Protect National Security

The ministry also stressed that Pakistan reserved the right to take all necessary measures to eliminate threats to its national security.

However, it said any such action would be carried out in accordance with international law.

The statement further maintained that Pakistan’s security could not depend on what it described as the Afghan Taliban government’s inaction, delaying tactics or misplaced priorities.

Protecting Pakistani citizens remained the state’s foremost responsibility, the ministry said. It also warned against interpreting Pakistan’s commitment to national security as a sign of weakness.

Finally, the ministry urged the Afghan Taliban leadership to move beyond public statements and assurances. It called for effective and practical action to end militant activities targeting Pakistan from Afghan territory.