Pakistan Demands Taliban Action Against Afghan-Based Terrorist Groups

The Government of Pakistan has demanded that the Afghan Taliban take verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, identifying cross-border terrorism as the primary obstacle to normalizing bilateral relations. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal reported that over 4,700 Pakistanis have died in attacks emanating from Afghanistan over the last three years. He specifically named the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army, Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K, and the ETIM as threats.

Following the UN address, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a statement on October 31, 2026, characterizing terrorism as a red line and accusing the Taliban of offering hollow assurances while ignoring the presence of militant sanctuaries. This diplomatic escalation follows a significant spike in violence; the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, the highest monthly total in 12 years.

Pakistan reaffirmed its right to self-defense under international law, citing a March 16 operation against TTP infrastructure. Beyond security concerns, Pakistan called on the Taliban to end restrictions on women and girls and requested increased international support for the millions of Afghan refugees currently hosted within its borders.