Kamran Yousuf writes in The Express Tribune the latest missive from Pakistan to Afghanistan cautioning the Taliban regime of strong reaction to future attacks.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – In the wake of a recent suicide attack in Bannu, Pakistan has issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban government, emphasizing that any future attacks originating from Afghanistan will be met with a “strong response,” according to official sources.
The warning was delivered through diplomatic channels, following the attack carried out by an Afghan national. This incident marked the 16th suicide attack perpetrated by an Afghan citizen since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
Sources revealed that Pakistan conveyed an unequivocal message to the Afghan government, stating that continued attacks would trigger a forceful response from Pakistan.
While the precise nature of Pakistan’s potential response remains unclear, cross-border strikes are not entirely off the table. In April 2022, Pakistan carried out limited airstrikes targeting the hideouts of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) across the border.
These strikes, never officially acknowledged by Islamabad, compelled the Taliban to pressure the TTP to engage in negotiations and declare a ceasefire. However, it is believed that any future cross-border action might be more extensive.
Despite Pakistan’s hopes that the strong warning would induce the Taliban regime to alter its course, authorities remain frustrated by the lack of action against the TTP and its safe havens on Afghan soil. Despite repeated requests, the Taliban government has shown no willingness to take concrete measures against the terrorist organization.
The Taliban’s reluctance stems from their shared history with the TTP, having fought alongside them during the US campaign in Afghanistan. The Taliban consider the TTP allies and guests who offered support during their own removal from power after 9/11.
Pakistan has explicitly linked future cooperation between the two nations to decisive action against the TTP by Kabul.
Following the Bannu attack on November 26th, Pakistan summoned the Afghan representative in Islamabad to register a strong protest regarding the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities. Sources revealed that the Afghan representative was presented with four key demands:
1.A thorough investigation into the Bannu attack and appropriate action against perpetrators and facilitators.
2.Immediate and “verifiable actions” against all terrorist groups and their sanctuaries.
3.Apprehension and handover of Hafiz Gul Bahadur to Pakistani authorities.
4.Strict measures to prevent the use of Afghan soil for acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
Whether the Afghan Taliban will heed Pakistan’s latest demands remains uncertain, given their past refusal to act against the TTP and its affiliates. Tensions have been escalating between the two countries for months over this issue.
Since the Taliban’s return in August 2021, the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan has increased by 60%, while suicide attacks have seen a 500% rise.