Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a direct warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, urging them to choose between maintaining ties with Islamabad or supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Addressing religious scholars at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad on December 10, Munir alleged that a large portion of militants entering Pakistan were Afghan nationals. His remarks, shared on local broadcasts over the weekend, highlighted rising tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe passage or turning a blind eye to TTP elements operating from Afghan territory. Munir questioned whether Afghanistan recognised the consequences of cross-border attacks and acknowledged the deaths inside Pakistan linked to infiltrations. According to him, 70 per cent of TTP militants crossing into Pakistan were Afghan nationals, and their movement posed a serious security threat. Afghan officials have rejected allegations of support for TTP in the past, saying they seek stability in the region.
Munir emphasised that jihad could not be declared by individuals or non-state actors, saying only the state held authority in an Islamic governance system. He argued that attempts by militant groups to justify violence on religious grounds undermined both national stability and Islamic principles. His warnings came against the backdrop of increasing militant activity along the Durand Line, which Pakistan says is being used to launch attacks.
Munir also made religious and historical references, saying Pakistan held a significant position in the Muslim world. He described the nation as protector of the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, and stated that divine assistance supported Pakistan during its recent confrontation with India. Referring to Operation Sindoor in May, Munir said the conflict that followed India’s strikes on terror infrastructure saw moments that he described as spiritually powerful for Pakistan’s armed forces. The remarks underscore a critical point in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with Islamabad demanding clearer action against militant safe havens and Kabul insisting it is not aligned with TTP. The situation highlights how cross-border militancy and political mistrust continue to fuel instability in the region.
