Islamabad, 01 November (H.S.): Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a sharp rebuke to Kabul late on Saturday, accusing the Afghan Taliban leadership of shirking its responsibilities and blaming Islamabad's policies instead of addressing what Pakistan considers the root cause of strained bilateral relations — terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan territory. The ministry warned that Afghanistan's inaction on terrorism will no longer be tolerated.

According to a report by The News, the ministry said, Pakistan's position is unequivocal: terrorism is unacceptable, and the security of its citizens is non-negotiable. Islamabad will not tolerate terrorist sanctuaries across the border that threaten its security. Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to eliminate threats to its national security, wherever they originate.

The ministry further stated that the Afghan Taliban regime was responsible for addressing the situation. Rejecting Kabul's allegations, it said the Afghan Taliban leadership could not evade its responsibilities.

Pakistan's security will not be held hostage to the Afghan Taliban's inaction, evasions or misplaced priorities, the ministry said.

The latest statement comes amid continuing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy and allegations that militant groups are operating from Afghan territory.

According to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Pakistan witnessed 225 militant attacks in September 2026, the highest monthly tally recorded in the country in the past 12 years.

Despite diplomatic engagement and efforts at mediation, the issue remains a major source of friction between the two countries. In September, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul wanted to continue dialogue and cooperation with Islamabad. Pakistan, meanwhile, has maintained that concrete action against extremist groups is essential to improving bilateral relations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar