Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorism. He emphasized that no country’s territory should serve as a base for terrorist activities.
Pakistan has faced rising militant attacks since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021. Authorities in Islamabad have repeatedly called on Kabul to stop terrorist groups from launching attacks from Afghan soil. In a recent interview, Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the issue. He stressed the importance of regional peace and stability and reaffirmed that Pakistan does not want tensions with its neighbors.
Addressing the issue of illegal refugees, the deputy prime minister confirmed that undocumented Afghan nationals are being deported. The government recently refused Kabul’s request to extend the stay of Afghans residing illegally in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These individuals were initially asked to leave by February 28, 2025, giving them just a few days to remain in the twin cities.
Security agencies have compiled detailed records of illegal Afghan residents, including their addresses and whereabouts. Those who possess valid documents for travel to another country can stay until March 31, 2025. However, after this deadline, they will also have to exit Pakistan.
Commenting on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Dar stressed that UN resolutions on the dispute must be implemented. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military leadership also expressed serious concerns over terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil. During the 267th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir chaired discussions on security matters. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issued a statement urging Afghanistan’s interim government to take decisive action against terrorist elements instead of issuing denials. The statement emphasized Pakistan’s right to defend its people against security threats.
The security situation in Pakistan remains alarming. The CRSS Annual Security Report 2024 highlighted that last year was the deadliest in a decade for both civilians and security personnel. According to the report, Pakistan recorded 685 security force fatalities and 444 militant attacks. The combined civilian and security losses reached 1,612, making up 63% of total casualties. This marked a 73% increase in losses compared to 934 militants eliminated.
The report revealed that overall violence-linked deaths in 2024 reached a nine-year high, rising by 66% from the previous year. On average, seven lives were lost daily, with November being the deadliest month. The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan suffered the highest casualties. KP recorded 1,616 fatalities, while Balochistan reported 782 deaths.
In total, Pakistan witnessed 2,546 violence-related deaths and 2,267 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and militants. The report documented 1,166 incidents of terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations throughout the year. These statistics paint a grim picture of the nation’s security landscape.
Pakistan continues to push Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism. Authorities remain firm in their commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting the country from external threats.
