BRUSSELS: The European Union has thrown its weight behind Pakistan’s position on cross-border terrorism, calling on the Taliban administration in Afghanistan to take decisive actionp operating from Afghan soil.
In a statement issued early Saturday, the Council of the European Union voiced deep concern over the recent hostilities along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, warning that the escalating conflict “could have serious implications for the region.”
The Council urged both Kabul and Islamabad to engage immediately in dialogue and to respect international law, particularly with regard to humanitarian considerations. “The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure must be ensured, and all feasible precautions must be taken to prevent further civilian harm,” the statement read.
In a key passage that aligns with Pakistan’s longstanding demands, the European Council explicitly stated that Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities must “take effective action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan.”
The EU’s call for an “immediate de-escalation” in cross-border fighting follows similar sentiments expressed by the United States, signaling growing international concern that instability between the two neighbors could undermine regional security. The statement underscores Western pressure on the Taliban to prevent militant outfits from using Afghan territory to launch attacks against P
akistan.
