President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that Pakistan’s tolerance for cross-border terrorism has reached its limit, warning that planners of violence, wherever they may be, will not remain beyond the state’s reach.
In his statement, the President said that Pakistan is taking necessary measures under its inherent right of self-defense, emphasizing that safeguarding national security and protecting citizens remain the state’s foremost responsibilities. He noted that despite international warnings, terrorist groups have continued to find space, and the situation in Afghanistan has become more alarming and uncertain than in the past. According to him, contrary to the commitments made under the Doha Agreement, extremist elements have been given free rein.
The President added that a recent United Nations report has confirmed the active presence of multiple militant groups in Afghanistan, stating that organizations including ISIS-K and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are operating from Afghan territory.
Expressing concern, he said Afghan authorities have failed to take credible action despite repeated warnings. He stated that Pakistan had exercised restraint for a considerable period and confined its operations to limited areas, but now planners of violence will not remain beyond reach, regardless of their location.
President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan seeks sustainable peace, stability, and cooperative relations in the region, but peace can only be achieved through serious and practical measures against terrorism. He made it clear that protecting Pakistani lives is the top priority and no compromise will be made in this regard.
He further stated that the situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime resembles, or is even worse than, the pre-9/11 environment, alleging that groups such as ISIS-K, TTP, Al-Qaeda, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Jamaat Ansarullah, and Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan are operating from Afghan soil.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan carried out retaliatory strikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan last night, targeting seven centers of Fitna al-Khawarij and the banned TTP in the provinces of Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated that initial reports indicate around 70 terrorists were killed, most of whom were reportedly Pakistani nationals.
