KABUL: The recent statements by Amir Khan Muttaqi, assuring that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan, are increasingly being challenged by developments on the ground, as violence linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to rise.
In this regard, the security assessments indicate that the presence of TTP within Afghanistan remains not only intact but also operationally organized and increasingly lethal. Senior leadership figures, including Noor Wali Mehsud, are believed to be operating from within Afghan territory, reportedly enjoying access to safe havens.
So far, the ground indicators point to a persistent pattern of cross-border infiltration into Pakistan.
The human cost for Pakistan has been significant, particularly since 2021. In this sense, more than 1,500 security personnel have lost their lives in terrorist incidents, while over 2,500 civilians have been killed or injured.
Moreover, the officials in Islamabad have stressed that these figures reflect not isolated incidents but a sustained campaign enabled by cross-border sanctuaries. Pakistan’s position was recently reiterated by Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who stated that while the country has shown restraint, it now requires concrete and verifiable action rather than assurances.
