Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday warned Afghanistan to take a firm stand against terrorists using its soil to attack Pakistan. He told Kabul to “choose between peace and chaos,” according to PTI.
Munir Sends a Strong Message
Munir gave the warning while speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Abbottabad. He accused militants based in Afghanistan of attacking Pakistan.
“The Taliban regime should act decisively against them,” he said. Munir also warned, “All proxies using Afghan soil would be met with a response to raise them to dust.”
He added, “Choose between peace and chaos,” referring to Afghanistan’s leadership.
Border Tensions Rise Again
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply increased over the past week. The violence began when Taliban forces launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistan. The Taliban accused Pakistan of attacking Kabul, but Islamabad denied the charge.
Mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia briefly paused the fighting. Both countries helped broker a 48-hour ceasefire, which was later extended. But clashes resumed on Friday after a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan killed 10 civilians, including three local cricketers.
Pakistan Pressures Taliban to Act
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to stop terrorists from using Afghan territory for attacks. However, Kabul denies the claims, saying Afghan soil is not being used against any neighbour.
The situation worsened after multiple attacks by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These militants, allegedly hiding in Afghanistan, have targeted Pakistani forces. In one recent attack in Orakzai district, 11 soldiers, including a Lt Colonel and a Major, were killed.
Confusion Over Ceasefire
According to Reuters, a Pakistani security official said the ceasefire was made only with the Afghan Taliban, not with the militants behind the attacks.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Tolo News reported that Pakistani airstrikes hit residential areas in Urgun and Barmal districts, causing major civilian casualties.