At Moscow moot, Pakistan says terrorism remains core of Afghanistan's problems

Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, addressed the eighth meeting of Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow on Monday. Sadiq reiterated that terrorism remains the core of Afghanistan's problems and that Pakistan would continue to take "all appropriate measures" to ensure the safety of its citizens, in accordance with international law.

Sadiq highlighted that the roots of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan lie in a "nexus between the Taliban regime and terrorist groups [...] that operate with impunity on Afghan soil." He further noted that external actors and spoilers supporting proxies inside Afghanistan are worsening the situation by targeting Pakistan and other countries in the region.

Over the past three years, more than 4,700 Pakistanis have been killed due to terrorism originating from Afghanistan, Sadiq reported. He emphasized that no country could tolerate such a situation, as thousands of innocent Pakistani civilians and security personnel have been martyred in terrorist attacks planned, financed, supported, and carried out from Afghan soil.

Pakistan's counterterrorism operations are conducted in response to terrorist attacks from Afghan soil, Sadiq stated, noting that these operations are precise, intelligence-based, and defensive in nature. Pakistan's actions are taken out of self-defense to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, directed solely against terrorist outfits based in Afghanistan that pose a threat to the region and beyond.

Sadiq emphasized that Pakistan has taken and will continue to take "all appropriate measures" to uphold the safety and security of its citizens, based on the principles of necessity and as a last resort. He expressed hope that regional countries would work together to address the sources of instability in the neighborhood and achieve collective objectives of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have historical relations and fraternal bonds, Sadiq noted, and peace and stability in Afghanistan are in Pakistan's national interest. Despite Pakistan's efforts to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and address humanitarian needs, the country is now at a critical juncture, facing a deteriorating humanitarian crisis and multip.