Dar urges Kabul to take verifiable action against TTP, warns of regional security threats

ISLAMABAD - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar yesterday called on the Afghan authorities to take concrete, verifiable and irreversible action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist organisations, stressing that Afghan territory must not be used to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan or any other country. Addressing an international conference organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on 'Pakistan's Evolving Counterterrorism Landscape: TTP, Cross-Border Threats and Regional Security', Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, calling for stronger international cooperation to confront the growing security challenges posed by terrorist networks. The DPM emphasised that terrorism remained a serious threat to regional peace, stability and security, requiring coordinated efforts, effective intelligence-sharing and sustained cooperation among countries to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent cross-border attacks. Houthi official warns of swift, painful response if US enters Yemen war Recalling Pakistan's immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, he underscored the heavy human and material costs borne by the country in confronting militancy and extremist violence. He stressed that Pakistan's continued commitment to counterterrorism efforts reflected its determination to protect its citizens, safeguard national sovereignty and contribute to regional stability. Ishaq Dar urged the Afghan authorities to fulfil their commitments by taking effective and verifiable measures against the TTP and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. He stressed that preventing Afghan soil from being used for terrorist activities against neighbouring countries was essential to building confidence and ensuring lasting peace in the region. He maintained that the presence and activities of militant organisations operating across borders remained a major concern for Pakistan, making effective action against their networks indispensable for improving bilateral relations and strengthening regional security. PTI to launch legal battle against governor's rule in KP The DPM highlighted Islamabad's continued emphasis on the need for tangible action against terrorist groups rather than assurances alone, particularly those involved in attacks against Pakistan. He also drew attention to what Pakistan describes as Indian sponsorship of terrorist groups operating against the country, including activities originating from Afghan soil. He stressed that such alleged support for militant networks posed a serious threat to regional peace, stability and security, further complicating efforts to establish a peaceful and cooperative regional environment. District, High Court Bar observe strike against emergency rule in KP The issue of cross-border terrorism, he indicated, required serious international attention and a coordinated response to prevent terrorist organisations from exploiting regional tensions and operating across national boundaries. Outlining Pakistan's counterterrorism strategy, Ishaq Dar highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen the country's response through the implementation of the National Action Plan, the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative and improved intelligence coordination. He emphasised the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to counterterrorism, combining security operations, intelligence cooperation and diplomatic engagement to address the threat posed by terrorist organisations. The National Action Plan remains a central framework for Pakistan's efforts to counter terrorism and extremism, while Azm-e-Istehkam represents an important component of the country's ongoing counterterrorism strategy. The DPM also underscored the significance of effective coordination among relevant institutions and security agencies, noting the need for sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks. Ishaq Dar outlined Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation against terrorism, emphasising that no country could effectively confront transnational terrorist threats in isolation. He called for closer international coordination to counter terrorist financing, disrupt support networks, improve intelligence-sharing and ensure that militant groups were denied safe havens and operational space. He stressed that collective action was essential to addressing the regional dimensions of terrorism, particularly where armed groups exploited cross-border vulnerabilities to carry out attacks and undermine stability. Pakistan, he indicated, remained committed to working with international partners and regional countries to advance counterterrorism cooperation and promote a more secure environment. The DPM lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership in the fight against terrorism and paid tribute to the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as well as law enforcement agencies for their courage, professionalism and sacrifices. He acknowledged the contributions of security personnel who have confronted terrorist threats and worked to protect the country's population and territorial integrity. Ishaq Dar's tribute underscored the central role of Pakistan's security institutions in counterterrorism operations and the importance of sustained national resolve in confronting militancy. The ISSI conference brought Pakistan's evolving counterterrorism challenges into focus, with particular attention to the TTP, cross-border threats and their implications for regional security. The discussions also highlighted the importance of combining domestic security measures with effective diplomacy and international cooperation to address the threat posed by terrorist organisations. Reaffirming Pakistan's determination to combat terrorism, Dar stressed the need for concrete action against militant groups, stronger international collaboration and a collective commitment to preventing the use of any country's territory for terrorist activities. Tags: