Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, has reaffirmed that while Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region, it will not tolerate cross-border terrorism or any attempt to undermine its sovereignty.
During his interaction with tribal elders, the COAS appreciated the unwavering and unconditional support of the tribal people for the security forces during the recent standoff between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He emphasized that Pakistan seeks peaceful coexistence with all neighbouring countries; however, the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan remains unacceptable.
Addressing the Jirga during his visit to Peshawar, the COAS highlighted that despite continuation of cross border terrorism from Afghanistan, Pakistan, over the last few years has exercised patience and extended multiple diplomatic and economic overtures to Afghanistan, aimed at improving Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.
However, instead of acting decisively against Indian sponsored terror proxies Fitna Al Khwarij (FAK) and Fitna Al Hindustan, Afghan Taliban Regime has been providing all possible assistance to these groups.
The COAS assured the tribal elders that Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will be cleansed of the terrorists and their abettors.
He paid rich tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of the brave people of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa in war against terrorism. Tribal elders reiterated their full support to the Armed Forces against terrorism and also against Afghan Taliban.
The tribal elders appreciated the candid discourse by the COAS and expressed their unwavering commitment for peace in Pakistan and highlighted that FAK’s twisted ideology had no acceptance among the tribes of KPK, it further said.
During the visit, the COAS had an interactive session with Jirga of tribal elders.
Later, he was given a comprehensive briefing at Headquarters 11 Corps, on the prevailing security environment, operational preparedness and ongoing counter terrorism efforts to maintain peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.
Upon arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps.
Earlier, Pakistan reportedly agreed to resume talks with the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul at the request of mediator Türkiye, after earlier rounds between Islamabad and Kabul failed to “bring about any workable solution,” sources said on Thursday.
Sources familiar with the development said that Pakistan decided to resume the dialogue process to give peace another chance. The Pakistani delegation, which had been preparing to return home following the breakdown of earlier talks, will now extend its stay in Istanbul to continue discussions.
Despite mediation efforts by friendly nations, talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul had collapsed after the Taliban regime refused to provide verifiable guarantees that their territory would not be used by groups such as the TTP to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to Taliban rulers over cross-border attacks and urged that Afghan territory not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar had confirmed early Wednesday morning that the four-day talks in Istanbul with the Afghan Taliban had ended without a breakthrough, despite Pakistan repeatedly presenting evidence-backed counterterrorism demands.
“The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution,” Tarar had said in an X post. He further said Pakistan had long sought cooperation from Kabul against militants targeting the country.
He had also thanked Qatar, Türkiye, and other friendly nations “for their support and sincere efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the problem of terrorism.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday said that friendly countries are playing the role of mediators for resolving Pak-Afghan issue.
Qatar and Turkey are holding talks with Afghan Taliban to address terrorism affecting Pakistan, he said while talking to a private television channel.
Pakistan has clear stance that Afghan soil should not be used for spreading terrorism in Pakistan, he said and added that
India is supporting the defunct organizations operating from Afghan soil to sabotage peace in Pakistan.
“Friendly countries are acting as mediators to help resolve the issue between the two neighboring countries in a proper manner,” he said.