Pakistan PM: Afghan Taliban militants actions not acceptable

Pakistan PM: Afghan Taliban militants actions not acceptable

Pakistan PM Condemns Afghan Taliban Actions Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his government’s stance that the Afghan Taliban’s recent cross-border attacks are unacceptable, emphasizing the country’s military readiness to defend its sovereignty. Following a series of retaliatory airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, Sharif stated that the armed forces, led by Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, are fully prepared to counter any internal or external threats. He underscored that Pakistan’s territorial integrity would not be compromised, with the nation united in support of its defense forces.

The escalation began on February 26, 2026, when the Afghan Taliban launched an offensive against Pakistani military positions near the Torkham border, according to Taliban officials. Pakistan responded with airstrikes, which it described as a proportionate retaliation for previous attacks on its border areas. Both sides have exchanged conflicting casualty claims, with Pakistan asserting it has inflicted heavy losses on Afghan forces, while Afghan authorities reported civilian casualties, including at a refugee camp according to reports.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared the conflict an “open war,” accusing Afghanistan of harboring militant groups linked to Pakistan, including the TTP and Baloch separatists. He alleged that Afghanistan has become a "colony of India", a claim disputed by Afghan officials. Meanwhile, the Afghan Taliban has denied using its territory for cross-border terrorism, accusing Pakistan of unprovoked aggression.

The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability, with the United Nations and regional powers urging de-escalation. Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have engaged in diplomatic efforts, while Iran and Russia have called for dialogue. Economically, the border clashes threaten trade routes and refugee flows, exacerbating existing challenges from Pakistan’s recent migrant crackdown, which has displaced millions of Afghans according to analysis.

For investors, the prolonged tensions could disrupt regional trade and increase defense spending, potentially straining public finances. However, international mediation efforts may yet stabilize the situation, though the path to a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain.