It seems this has not happened. Security officials in Pakistan, clearly frustrated by the situation, have warned that Islamabad may be forced to resort to military action including ‘hot pursuit’ into Afghanistan if the incursions do not stop. The porous nature of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, running along the Durand Line, has constantly created problems in the battle against militancy. These issues seem to be continuing now notably because militants from Afghanistan seem able to launch attacks inside Pakistani territory. We also know that key Pakistan militant leaders, including the chief of the TTP, have for months taken shelter in Afghanistan, moving across the border as and when they wish.
This is an unacceptable situation. Both countries need to battle terrorism jointly if there is to be any hope of success against scourge that has so badly affected both nations and their people. We must hope however that the need for military force that Pakistan has warned of does not arise. Foreign Office officials and the prime minister have emphasised their desire to resolve matters through diplomacy and talks. We must hope that they succeed in this. It is the only way to stop the militants in their stride and an increase in tensions between Kabul and Islamabad would not be something we want at the present moment. Talks then should be the key tool to be used in order to pull ourselves forward.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2014.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS (10)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Indian Muslim: When you go back to Pakistan.
It remains imperative to counter the threat of terrorism in the region through mutual cooperation. The terrorists continue to orchestrate their terrorist activities throughout the region. Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to face common challenges in the form of terrorism. It remains our wish to see the regional partners working together in regards to their shared peace objectives. Our officials from the highest level are working closely with the officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and we remain confident of seeing peace prevail throughout the region. We reiterate what Rear Admiral John Kirby, Defense Department Press Secretary, said recently: “We've been very clear for many years now that we share common threats with the Pakistanis, that terrorism there is a regional issue, it's not just an Afghan issue or a Pakistan issue. It's the whole region, and we remain committed to having as cooperative and as constructive a relationship with Pakistan as possible.”
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
@Indian Muslim: As soon as Pakistan stop interfering in Baluchistan, Sindh and Afghanistan.
These were non-state actors. Pakistan should first provide evidence rather than blaming everything on Afghanistan. Better still, they should forget about these attacks and move on. It seems that their needle is stuck on this and they cannot move forward.
Blow the intruders from Afghanistan; repatriate the Afghans living in Pakistan; and seal the border. 95% of Pakistan's problems originate from Afghanistan.
Afghans are loosing nothing if attacked by Pakistan. It will unite Afghans. it will be very hard for Molla Umer, Haqanis & Gul Badeen not to defend Afghanistan from invaders. It will also test the strategic agreement they have signed with NATO & India. So try invading Afghanistan if you dare.
@AVMPolpot: When are we going to end our interference in Kashmir, Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Pakistan's sincerity towards Afghanistan is exposed by its loyalty to Haqqanis +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Prove the action against Haqqanis behind your lip service and then expect any meaningful ' joint action against terrorism".
WOW, What a hilarious editorial! And just where has the writer been for the last decade or so while Pakistan's beloved "Good Taliban" assets openly operated in Afghanistan from those world famous FATA Safe Havens! Did the government not sign numerous "peace deals" with these Assets where they would be left alone (supported?) by the government as long as they only launched terrorist strikes in neighboring countries (Strategic Depth?)! Now the shoe is on the other foot and the government is whining about "hot pursuit" into Afghanistan!
Afghanistan only follows orders from India. Nothing has changed since 1947 when Afghanistan refused to recognize Pakistan as a state. They have been involved in cross border misadventure in KPK and Baluchistan for decades so nothing is new. The only language that these Indian lackeys understand is force. Time to deport all illegal Afghans and mine the whole border so they never come back again.Let them become refugees in other neighboring countries and the West.