No more tolerance for Afghan-based attacks: Pakistan

Envoys briefed about evolving situation after deadly border clashes

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has conveyed to key world capitals and friendly nations that it will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan and that any future aggression will be met with a swift and decisive response, diplomatic sources told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

Three days after the deadly border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Foreign Office summoned ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in Islamabad to brief them on the evolving security situation and Islamabad's stance.

In an official statement, the Foreign Office said Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch gave a "comprehensive briefing" to resident ambassadors in Islamabad regarding "recent developments along the Pak-Afghan border".

"She underscored Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and its unwavering resolve to protect its territorial integrity and national security," the statement added.

While the statement did not elaborate, sources confirmed that diplomats were briefed on the surge in terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to persuade the Taliban authorities to act decisively against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates.

Instead of cooperation, Afghan forces resorted to unprovoked firing on multiple Pakistani border posts on the night of October 11, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 23 Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan responded swiftly and targeted terrorist hideouts and infrastructure which were facilitating cross-border attacks from across the border. Pakistan's response killed more than 200 Taliban and their affiliated terrorists, according to the statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Foreign Office officials told diplomats that Pakistan's response was precise and targeted only terrorist sanctuaries being used to facilitate attacks on Pakistani soil. They also said that Islamabad would continue to act in self-defence and protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Following the clashes last Saturday, Pakistan has revised its rules of engagement, declaring that any future cross-border assault will trigger immediate retaliatory action inside Afghanistan.

In a major policy shift, Pakistan has also decided to refer to the Kabul administration as the 'Afghan regime' rather than the 'Afghan interim government,' signalling a downgrading of diplomatic recognition. The change means that Islamabad will now view the Taliban government as imposed rather than representative of the Afghan people's will.

A senior official told The Express Tribune that this recalibration forms part of a multi-pronged strategy to exert maximum pressure on the Taliban regime.

"This is the price they have to pay for supporting the terrorist outfits," the official said, adding that Kabul should no longer expect concessions from Islamabad.

 

Once a staunch supporter of the Afghan Taliban, Pakistan no longer supports the rulers in Kabul, the official added.