Dar highlighted Pakistan’s continued commitment to safeguarding its borders and ensuring Afghan territory is not exploited for cross-border militant activity
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday struck a cautious yet firm tone on regional security, suggesting that while the situation in Afghanistan could be resolved through force, Pakistan did not wish to “attack a brother inside his home.” He contrasted this approach with India, saying that teaching New Delhi a lesson, if necessary, would carry no such moral hesitation.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Dar outlined Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to secure its borders and prevent Afghan soil from being used for cross-border militancy. He said that during his recent visit to Kabul, he had pressed Afghan authorities to act against the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), emphasising that Islamabad would not tolerate attacks originating from Afghan territory. “The only demand Pakistan has is that Afghan soil not be used against us,” he said, adding that Islamabad had formally requested that TTP elements either be removed from border regions or handed over to Pakistani authorities.
Dar highlighted that Pakistan had fulfilled all commitments made during his previous visit to Kabul in April, including the signing of a railway agreement aimed at boosting regional connectivity. However, he noted that progress on counterterrorism measures from the Afghan side remained slow. He pointed out that a planned tripartite meeting in Kabul with China and Afghanistan to discuss regional security had yet to yield tangible results.
The minister also reflected on his recent diplomatic engagements beyond the region, including visits to Moscow, Bahrain, and Brussels, where he represented Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. In meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and European Union officials, Dar said discussions had focused on strengthening economic links, energy cooperation, and regional stability, alongside longstanding issues such as the Indus Waters Treaty and tensions in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Dar concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s long-term vision for peace and stability in Afghanistan, underscoring that the country’s priority lay in development and security rather than military confrontation. His remarks appeared to balance a firm warning against external threats with a conciliatory posture toward Kabul, reflecting Islamabad’s broader diplomatic strategy in a complex regional environment.
