Zardari says Taliban-led Afghanistan, aided by eastern neighbor, threatens Pakistan and world peace
President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari thanked world leaders and nations for standing with Pakistan in this time of mourning, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.
“Pakistan is touched by the strong and sincere outpouring of support and solidarity from world leaders, governments and international organizations,” he said in the statement.
The President noted that the messages of sympathy and solidarity brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the grieving families. “These messages reaffirm that the fight against terrorism and the violent ideology that drives it is a shared global responsibility and a common struggle for all,” adds the text.
The declaration emphasizes that terrorism cannot be fought by a single country in isolation. “Our experience has shown that when terrorist groups are given space, facilitation or impunity across national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians around the world,” President Zardari said.
President Zardari thanks world leaders, governments and international organizations for their strong solidarity and support in this hour of mourning. The fight against terrorism is a shared global responsibility: no nation can tackle it alone. 🇵🇰 stands resolutely alongside its partners for peace and the decisive end to terrorism in all its forms.
– The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 8, 2026
In this context, he pointed out that some neighboring countries have unfortunately become partners in crime by allowing terrorist elements to operate against Pakistan from their soil.
“Some not only finance them directly, but also provide them with technical and military support. This is a reality that has shaped regional development in recent years,” he said in the statement.
Zardari also strongly opposed the situation in Afghanistan, stating that the Taliban regime created conditions “similar to or worse than before September 11, when terrorist organizations posed threats to world peace, resulting in the tragedy of September 11.”
He added that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor is aiding the Taliban regime, threatening not only Pakistan but also regional and world peace. Concluding his speech, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism.
“Pakistan remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support extended to the country in this difficult hour. The solidarity shown by the international community strengthens our resolve to continue working with our partners for peace, stability and a decisive end to terrorism in all its forms,” the secretariat said.
Read also: Pakistan tells UN that Afghanistan-based terrorism poses ‘gravest threat’ to security
The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to address Pakistan’s security concerns has led to a deterioration of ties with Islamabad. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has used its sanctuaries in the border regions of Afghanistan as a launching pad for its terrorist campaign in Pakistan.
The majority of recent high-impact attacks have originated in Afghanistan and involved Afghan nationals and modern weapons left behind by US forces during their chaotic withdrawal in 2021. These include brazen attacks on military and paramilitary targets in Mianwali, DI Khan, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Chitral and North Waziristan.
Pakistan has seen a staggering 80% increase in terrorist attacks since the Taliban returned to power on August 15, 2021.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly called on the Taliban to rein in the TTP, but the regime remains reluctant for multiple strategic reasons, triggering unprecedented punitive actions from Islamabad, including cross-border military strikes against terrorist bases, the expulsion of illegal Afghans and stricter border controls.
These measures, however, further soured relations between the two neighbors, triggering border skirmishes and acrimonious exchanges at the political and diplomatic level.
