ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked the leaders and nations of the world for standing with Pakistan in this moment of grief, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

“Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere outpouring of support and solidarity from world leaders, governments, and international organisations,” the statement quoted him as saying.

The president noted that the messages of sympathy and solidarity have brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the families who mourn. “These messages reaffirm that the fight against terrorism, and the violent ideology that drives it, is a shared global responsibility and a common struggle for all,” it added.

The statement emphasised that terrorism cannot be confronted by a single country in isolation. “Our experience has shown that when terrorist groups are allowed space, facilitation, or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians worldwide,” President Zardari said.

In this context, he underlined that certain neighbouring countries have, regrettably, become partners in crime by allowing terrorist elements to operate against Pakistan from their soil.

“Some not only finance them directly but also provide technical and military support. This is a reality that has shaped regional developments in recent years,” he said in the statement.

Zardari also took strong exception to the situation in Afghanistan, stating that the Taliban regime has created conditions “similar to or worse than pre-9/11, when terror organisations posed threats to global peace ending in the 9/11 tragedy.” 

He added that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour is assisting the Taliban regime, threatening not only Pakistan but regional and global peace. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism.

“Pakistan remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support extended to the country in this difficult hour. The solidarity shown by the international community strengthens our resolve to continue working with partners for peace, stability, and a decisive end to terrorism in all its forms,” the secretariat maintained.

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The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to address Pakistan’s security concerns has led to a souring of ties with Islamabad. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan used its sanctuaries in Afghanistan’s border regions as a launch pad for its terror campaign in Pakistan.

Majority of the recent high impact attacks originated from Afghanistan involving Afghan nationals and modern weapons left by US forces during their chaotic withdrawal in 2021. These include the brazen attacks on military and paramilitary targets in Mianwali, DI Khan, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Chitral, and North Waziristan.

Pakistan saw a staggering 80% surge in terrorist attacks since Taliban’s return to power in August 15, 2021.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly called upon the Taliban to rein in the TTP, but the regime remains reluctant due to multiple strategic reasons, triggering unprecedented punitive actions from Islamabad, including cross-border military strikes on terrorist bases, expulsion of illegal Afghans, and tighter border controls.

These measures, however, further embittered relations between the two neighbours, triggering border skirmishes and acrimonious exchanges at the political and diplomatic level.