Islamabad. Amidst the ongoing tension on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Islamabad has given a strong warning to the Taliban government. Pakistan has clearly said that terrorism is a 'red line' for it and there will be no compromise on the security of its citizens. Pakistan has accused the Taliban leadership of failing to stop terrorist activities operating from Afghan soil and refusing to take action in this direction.
This warning from Pakistan came after the statement of Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Saturday, in which he accused Islamabad of not being ready to end the tension between the two countries through talks. In response, Pakistan said that it reserves the right to take necessary steps to eliminate terrorist threats coming from across the border.
What did Pakistan say?
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a statement on Saturday night saying that the Taliban leadership is continuously refusing to stop the violence emanating from Afghanistan. The ministry reiterated that Pakistan's stand is clear. Terrorism is a red line for it and safety of civilians is the top priority.
The statement said that the Taliban government's refusal to stop terrorism is the biggest obstacle in the way of normal relations between the two countries. Blaming others, making empty promises and questioning Pakistan's policies will not solve the problem. Due to this, Kabul cannot escape from its responsibilities.
Pakistan also said that its national security cannot be put at stake due to Taliban inaction, procrastination or wrong priorities.
Taliban accused Pakistan
On the other hand, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in an interview on Saturday that Islamabad is not ready to resolve the differences between the two countries peacefully. He alleged that Pakistan's wrong policies remain an obstacle in the way of ending tension.
In this way, the series of allegations and counter-allegations continues between the two countries. While Pakistan is alleging that terrorist activities are being carried out from Afghan soil, the Taliban is blaming Pakistan's policies for the tension.
Tension increased due to military action on the border
This statement between the two countries has taken place at a time when there is military tension on the border. According to reports, on Friday the Pakistani Army claimed to have destroyed several border posts and military positions of the Afghan Taliban in response to alleged cross-border firing in South Waziristan and Parachinar areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Pakistani radio, Afghan Taliban forces started unprovoked firing in Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan on 27 October.
At the same time, Afghanistan's Defense Ministry alleged on October 28 that at around 1 pm, the Pakistani Army, without any provocation, attacked Angoor Adda market and the commissioner's office of Paktika province with drones.
Tension has increased in the region due to both countries' attacks on each other and allegations of cross-border terrorism. At present, there are no signs of improvement in relations between Islamabad and Kabul.