Ishaq Dar Warns Afghan Taliban of Consequences Over Failure to Stop Terrorism
News Date: October 12, 2026
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has warned the Afghan Taliban government that it could face consequences if it fails to take action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. His statement comes amid growing security concerns and renewed tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
Speaking at an international conference on Pakistan’s evolving terrorism landscape in Islamabad, Dar said terrorism remained one of the biggest challenges facing Pakistan and the wider region. He urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used to plan and carry out attacks against neighbouring countries.
According to a report by Geo News, Dar stressed that Pakistan’s primary demand was for Afghanistan to stop terrorist groups from using its territory to threaten Pakistan’s security. <Cite refs={["turn100004search0"]}/>
Ishaq Dar Calls for Action Against Terrorist Groups
Dar said Pakistan had repeatedly raised concerns with Afghan authorities about militant groups allegedly operating from across the border.
He specifically identified the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a serious security threat. Pakistani officials have accused the group of carrying out attacks inside the country and using cross-border networks to support its activities.
Islamabad has called on the Afghan Taliban government to take concrete, verifiable and sustained action against militant organisations. Afghan authorities have faced continued pressure from Pakistan over these allegations, while the two sides remain at odds over responsibility for cross-border insecurity.
Pakistan Reports an Increase in Militant Attacks
Dar highlighted the security challenges confronting Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant violence has remained a major concern.
According to figures cited in the Geo News report from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, compared with 199 in August.
The reported increase has intensified concerns about the security situation and the need for stronger counterterrorism measures.
Dar also referred to attacks on transport and civilian workers as examples of the continuing threat. He said Pakistan had made significant sacrifices in its efforts to combat terrorism and protect its population. <Cite refs={["turn100004search0"]}/>
Border Security Remains a Major Concern
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced repeated strain over allegations that armed groups operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks across the border.
Pakistan has called for stronger border security and effective action against militant networks. It has also warned that continued attacks could have serious implications for bilateral relations, trade and regional stability.
The border situation is important for both countries because communities on either side depend on cross-border movement and commercial activity. Prolonged tensions can affect transport, trade and the daily lives of people living in border regions.
Pakistan Seeks International Cooperation
Dar also called for international cooperation to strengthen Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and improve their ability to respond to security threats.
Pakistan has raised the issue in international forums, asking other governments to support efforts to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to carry out attacks.
In a separate address to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Contact Group on Afghanistan in September, Dar urged the Afghan Taliban to take verifiable steps against terrorist groups and support regional peace. He also called for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan that maintains peaceful relations with its neighbours. <Cite refs={["turn100004search1","turn100004search4"]}/>
What Could Happen Next?
The latest warning highlights the urgency of addressing security concerns between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Further developments will depend on the actions taken by Afghan authorities, the response from Islamabad and the progress of diplomatic efforts.
Both countries have important interests in regional stability, secure borders and economic cooperation. However, continued disagreements over militant groups could make improvements in bilateral relations more difficult.
Diplomatic engagement, effective border management and verifiable counterterrorism measures could help reduce tensions, although any lasting progress will require cooperation from both sides.
Conclusion
Ishaq Dar’s warning reflects Pakistan’s growing concern about militant attacks and its demand for action against terrorist groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad says stronger counterterrorism measures are essential to protect its citizens and maintain regional security.
The situation remains sensitive, and the response from the Afghan Taliban government will be important in shaping relations between the neighbouring countries in the coming weeks.
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