Zardari says Taliban-led Afghanistan, aided by an eastern neighbor, threatens Pakistan and global peace
President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked world leaders and nations for standing with Pakistan in this moment of grief, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.
“Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere outpouring of support and solidarity from world leaders, governments and international organizations,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The President noted that the messages of sympathy and solidarity have brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the grieving families. “These messages reaffirm that the fight against terrorism and the violent ideology that drives it is a shared global responsibility and a shared struggle for all,” it added.
The statement emphasized that terrorism cannot be confronted by a single country in isolation. “Our experience has shown that when terrorist groups are given space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians worldwide,” President Zardari said.
President Zardari thanks world leaders, governments and international organizations for strong solidarity and support in this hour of mourning. The fight against terrorism is a shared global responsibility – no nation can face it alone. 🇵🇰 stands resolutely with partners for peace and a decisive end to terror in all forms.
— President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 8, 2026
In this context, he emphasized that unfortunately certain neighboring countries have become partners in crime by allowing terrorist elements to operate against Pakistan from their soil.
“Some not only finance them directly, but also provide technical and military support. This is a reality that has shaped regional development in recent years,” he said in the statement.
Zardari also took strong exception to the situation in Afghanistan, stating that the Taliban regime has created conditions “similar or worse than before 9/11 when terrorist organizations posed threats to global peace that ended in the 9/11 tragedy.”
He added that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor is helping the Taliban regime and threatening not only Pakistan but also regional and global peace. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism.
“Pakistan remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support extended to the country in this difficult hour. The solidarity shown by the international community strengthens our resolve to continue working with partners for peace, stability and a decisive end to terrorism in all its forms,” the Secretariat maintained.
Read also: Pakistan tells UN that Afghan-based terrorism poses a ‘serious threat’ to security
The reluctance of the Afghan Taliban to address Pakistan’s security concerns has led to a deterioration in relations with Islamabad. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan used its reserves in Afghanistan’s border regions as a launching pad for its terror campaign in Pakistan.
The majority of recent high-impact attacks originated in Afghanistan, involving Afghan nationals and modern weapons left behind by US forces during their chaotic withdrawal in 2021. These include the brazen attacks on military and paramilitary targets in Mianwali, DI Khan, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Chitral and North Waziristan.
Pakistan experienced a staggering 80% increase in terrorist attacks since the Taliban’s return to power on August 15, 2021.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly called on the Taliban to rein in the TTP, but the regime remains reluctant for several strategic reasons, triggering unprecedented punitive actions from Islamabad, including cross-border military strikes on terrorist bases, deportation of illegal Afghans and tighter border controls.
However, these measures further embittered relations between the two neighbors and triggered border skirmishes and heated exchanges at the political and diplomatic level.
