KP governor warns Afghan Taliban against aggression 

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday condemned what he described as unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban regime, warning that Pakistan would respond firmly to any attack on its people or violation of its sovereignty.

In a statement posted on X, Kundi said Pakistan would not tolerate hostile actions against its citizens or any threat to its territorial integrity. He warned the Afghan Taliban authorities against underestimating Pakistan’s resolve to defend the country.

The governor’s remarks followed an attack on civilian areas in Angoor Adda, South Waziristan, near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, on Tuesday night. According to the reported details, five members of a family were injured and another family member was killed.

Pakistan’s military responded by destroying Afghan Taliban checkpoints, while security forces remained on high alert along the border to prevent further attacks.

Kundi praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their response, describing their action as swift and decisive. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had suffered greatly in the fight against terrorism, sacrificing thousands of lives, but stressed that the province would not allow any force to threaten its residents or national security.

He also said the armed forces had the full support of the nation in defending the country’s territory. Any further aggression, he warned, would be met with firm determination.

The latest incident comes amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan territory and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegations and maintains that militancy in Pakistan is an internal matter.

Cross-border clashes intensified in late February, leading to the launch of Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. The military campaign followed renewed fighting along the border after Afghan Taliban forces reportedly opened fire at several locations, prompting a Pakistani military response.

Tensions increased further after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes targeting alleged militant positions.

The two countries agreed to a week-long ceasefire on March 18, ahead of Eidul Fitr, following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. However, security concerns and disputes over militant activity have continued to strain relations.

During peace talks held in Urumqi, China, in April, Pakistan presented three key demands to the Afghan Taliban authorities. These included formally declaring the TTP a terrorist organisation, dismantling its infrastructure and providing verifiable evidence that action had been taken against the group.

The demands remain central to Pakistan’s negotiating position as Islamabad continues to press Kabul to address cross-border militancy.