Afghanistan Times
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has stated that the country has the right to conduct operations against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil if necessary. Speaking in an interview with Samaa TV, Sanaullah emphasized that Pakistan is engaged in a war against the TTP and will target the group wherever it operates. He argued that international law permits such actions when a country faces external threats or preparations for an attack.
“Under international law, if there is a threat of an attack on your country from outside or preparations for it, you have the right to take action to protect yourself. If such a situation arises, our forces will act at the right time,” he said.
Sanaullah’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over cross-border militancy. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing TTP militants to use its territory to orchestrate attacks, urging the Afghan government to prevent such activities. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also reiterated this stance, highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices for Afghanistan and urging Kabul to ensure its land is not used for terrorism against Pakistan. Iqbal emphasized the importance of sincere diplomatic efforts and reasonable dialogue between the two countries to address security concerns.
The tensions escalated further last month when Pakistan’s military conducted airstrikes in the Barmal district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, reportedly targeting TTP hideouts. The strikes resulted in dozens of casualties, including women and children, triggering outrage in Afghanistan. In retaliation, the Taliban launched cross-border attacks on Pakistani forces along the Durand Line.
In a strong warning, Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, called on Pakistan to respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, cautioning that continued violations would elicit a robust response. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile state of relations between the two neighbors, both grappling with the persistent threat of terrorism and its destabilizing effects.
