Zardari says Taliban-led Afghanistan, with help from eastern neighbor, threatens Pakistan and world peace
President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari thanked world leaders and nations for supporting Pakistan in this time of grief, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.
“Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere support and solidarity of world leaders, governments and international organizations,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The president noted that messages of sympathy and solidarity have brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to grieving families. “These messages reaffirm that the fight against terrorism and the violent ideology that drives it is a shared global responsibility and a common fight for all,” he added.
The statement emphasized 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 fall on innocent civilians around the world,” said President Zardari.
President Zardari thanks world leaders, governments and international organizations for their strong solidarity and support in this hour of grief. The fight against terrorism is a shared global response: no nation can face it alone. 🇵🇰 stands firm with its partners for peace and the decisive end to terrorism in all its forms.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 8, 2026
In this context, he stressed that, unfortunately, some neighboring countries have become accomplices in the crime by allowing terrorist elements to operate against Pakistan from their territory.
“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 strongly opposed the situation in Afghanistan, stating that the Taliban regime has created conditions “similar or worse than before 9/11, when terrorist organizations posed threats to global peace that ended in the tragedy of 9/11.”
He added that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor is helping the Taliban regime, threatening not only Pakistan but also regional and global peace. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment in the fight against terrorism.
“Pakistan remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support extended to the country at this difficult time. 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 said.
Also read: Pakistan tells UN that Afghanistan-based terrorism poses ‘most serious threat’ to security
The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to address Pakistan’s security concerns has led to a deterioration in ties with Islamabad. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan used its sanctuaries in the border regions of Afghanistan as a launching pad for its terror campaign in Pakistan.
Most of the recent high-impact attacks originated in Afghanistan and involved Afghan citizens and modern weapons left behind 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 has seen a staggering 80% increase in terrorist attacks since the Taliban returned to power on August 15, 2021.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly called on the Taliban to control the TTP, but the regime remains reluctant due to multiple strategic reasons, prompting unprecedented punitive actions from Islamabad, including cross-border military strikes on terrorist bases, expulsion of illegal Afghans and stricter border controls.
These measures, however, further soured relations between the two neighbors, sparking border skirmishes and acrimonious exchanges at the political and diplomatic levels.
