Afghan interim govt needs to move out of its 'militant mindset', says Tarar

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar urged the interim Afghan government to abandon its "militant mindset," asserting it as the primary source of current tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The two countries have experienced strained relations in recent years, primarily due to concerns over cross-border terrorism. On Tuesday, Tarar discussed the situation at a seminar on Afghanistan's future and the prospects of peace, describing it as a "very complex" issue that demands a long-term, sustainable solution.

He emphasized that despite their shared international borders, the history between the neighbors has been turbulent.

Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for attacks in Pakistan. However, these appeals have reportedly been ignored. According to a UN Security Council-mandated monitoring report, the Taliban's continued support for TTP has led to an increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, even as Kabul has taken initial steps to curb the group's influence.

In response to recent terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan conducted "calibrated" airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, resulting in over 28 terrorist deaths. The strikes were part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, launched on February 26 in response to unprovoked cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban.

Days later, Pakistan intercepted and shot down eight drones launched from Afghan territory that entered Pakistani airspace near Torkham and Kohat. The Afghan Taliban allegedly engaged in unprovoked firing near Kurram the night prior, foiled by security forces in their attempt to cross into Pakistan.

Pakistan retaliated to the drone incursion with "precision aerial and drone strikes" in 10 locations across Afghanistan. Additionally, a demarche was delivered to the Afghan side following a September 23 airspace violation by drones.