"This is a red line" PM Shehbaz warns Afghanistan against cross-border terrorism

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan is willing to boost ties with Kabul but warned Afghanistan against the use of Afghan territory to attack his country.

"Unfortunately, TTP is operating from Afghanistan, carrying out terror attacks and killing innocent people inside Pakistan. This cannot go on. We have conveyed to the Afghan government that we desire good ties with them, but the TTP must be stopped from killing our innocent people," PM Shehbaz said in his address to the cabinet.

He emphasised, "This is a red line," adding that Pakistan would not accept the TTP continuing to use cross-border territory.

Addressing the federal cabinet meeting, the premier stated that on more than one occasion, they have communicated that Pakistan wants a good relationship with Afghanistan, but the TTP must not be allowed to use Afghan territory to kill Pakistanis.

The Prime Minister's statement came a few days after airstrikes from Pakistan on Afghanistan. On Tuesday, Pakistani fighter jets targeted four locations believed to be camps of the banned TTP, killing and wounding several suspected terrorists.

According to sources, TTP camps in the Murgha and Laman areas of Bernal district had been targeted, including one used by Sher Zaman alias Mukhlis Yar, Commander Abu Hamza, Commander Akhtar Muhammad, and the head of the TTP’s media arm.

However, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated that the TTP is still operating from Afghanistan. A few days ago, 16 cops were martyred, he said, adding that Pakistan’s military, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), and all security forces are fully united against terrorists.

He asserted that Pakistan’s government is ready to talk, but the Afghan government should prepare a strong strategy, adding that while Afghan authorities send messages to improve ties, they simultaneously allow the TTP to operate freely.

"This strategy will not work in improving ties," said the premier, while emphasizing the need for Afghanistan's collaboration in promoting peace in the region.