Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Sardar Masood Khan, has defended recent counter-terrorism efforts along the Afghan border, calling it a necessary response to the continuous threats of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
In a detailed international TV interview, Sardar Masood Khan explained that Pakistan’s military operation, called “Operation Wrath’s Fury,” targets only the terrorist hideouts of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and associated militant groups. He emphasized that these measures are not due to hostility against the Afghan people but are proportional actions to safeguard national security.
Khan explained that Pakistan extensively reviewed diplomatic, political, and intelligence sources before adopting a military strategy. Since the Afghan Taliban came to power in August 2021, Pakistan has robustly supported Afghanistan’s global stability, provided humanitarian aid, and advocated for diplomatic engagement to promote regional peace.
Despite these efforts and assurances from Afghan Taliban leadership that Afghan soil would not be used for hostile activities against neighboring countries, there has been a significant increase in attacks on Pakistani soil. Groups like TTP, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS have exploited Afghan soil for attacks on Pakistani civilians and military personnel.
Pakistan has continuously attempted negotiations and mediation through regional capitals like Beijing, Istanbul, and Doha, maintaining direct dialogue with Afghan authorities. Proposed measures included dismantling terrorism networks and joint demilitarization plans. However, these efforts have yet to yield the desired outcomes.
Khan also expressed concern about the alleged role of Indian intelligence in supporting Afghan militant networks, suggesting that some hostile elements are exploiting Afghanistan’s instability against Pakistan, while bilateral relations remain strained.
Addressing concerns raised by international organizations about potential civilian casualties, Khan categorically denied any violations of international humanitarian laws, stating that such allegations are part of misinformation campaigns by terrorist groups.
He emphasized that terrorism has inflicted a heavy toll on Pakistan, with thousands of civilians and security forces harmed since 2021. UN reports have confirmed the presence and support of terrorist entities in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Sardar Masood Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering peaceful and cooperative relations with Afghanistan, while also making it clear that the security of the country and the protection of its citizens are of utmost importance.