Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani has warned that more than 20 terrorist organizations are operating from Afghanistan, posing a threat not only to Pakistan but to the international community as well.
Speaking on the second day of the Asma Jahangir Conference, he said the Pakistani government had sought to resolve issues with the Taliban through diplomacy, emphasizing that Pakistan would not allow Afghan territory to be used by terrorists.
“High-level delegations visited Afghanistan throughout last year, and Pakistan made efforts to curb cross-border terrorism. Unfortunately, these efforts did not succeed because Afghanistan did not make serious moves. Groups like the TTP and BLA continued to receive support from across the border,” he stated.
The minister noted that cross-border attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have claimed the lives of Pakistani personnel, adding, “Every state has the right to take measures to protect itself, and Pakistan is now taking strict action.”
He underlined that Pakistan remains open to meaningful dialogue but stressed that Afghanistan must take concrete and lasting steps to eliminate terrorism. Kiani also expressed concern that humanitarian aid could be strengthening the Taliban regime instead of reaching the people.
Highlighting Pakistan’s long-standing hospitality, he said, “For four decades, we kept our doors open to Afghan brothers and sisters. We helped them wholeheartedly, but in the current circumstances, we cannot continue assistance without proper documentation. Afghan citizens are being repatriated gradually, as no country can host foreign nationals without registration.”
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and security, noting that many militants killed in operations were Afghan nationals and that terrorist groups continue to operate from safe havens in Afghanistan.
