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President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan’s recent actions are rooted in its inherent right to defend its people against terrorism emanating from across the border and follow repeated warnings that went unheeded.
Referring to his statement on February 8, 2026, the President recalled that he had said that Pakistan was strongly outraged by the situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has created conditions similar to, or even worse than, those that prevailed before 9/11.
He added that Pakistan had warned the international community that “when terrorist groups are given space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians everywhere.”
It is extremely concerning that the de facto authorities in Kabul – a regime not recognized by the United Nations – have continued to allow terrorist elements to operate from Afghan soil, in violation of their commitments under the Doha agreement, in which they promised that Afghan territory would not be used against any country, he said.
The President noted that the most recent report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the United Nations Security Council has reinforced Pakistan’s long-standing position.
The report states: “A wide range of Member States consistently report that ISIL-K, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, East Turkestan Islamic Movement, also known as Turkistan Islamic Party (ETIM/TIP), Jamaat Ansarullah, Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan and others are present in Afghanistan. Some groups have used or continue to use Afghanistan to plan and prepare for external attacks.
The President observed that this UN assessment clearly shows that the presence and activities of these organizations pose serious threats to neighboring countries, including Pakistan. “It is regrettable that, despite clear warnings and repeated engagement, the Afghan authorities have failed to take credible and verifiable action against these elements. »
He said Pakistan had exercised restraint for a considerable period and limited its response to terrorist hideouts located near border areas. However, he warned that Pakistan is fully aware of where the planners, facilitators and promoters of violence are based. If the bloodshed continues in Pakistan, those responsible will not stay out of reach.
President Zardari reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace, stability and cooperative relations with all its neighbors. He said peace cannot be based on denial, duplicity or inaction against terrorism. “Protecting the lives of Pakistanis remains paramount and non-negotiable,” he added.
