Rubio acknowledges Pakistan’s concerns over terrorism originating from Afghanistan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged Pakistan's concerns over terrorist attacks allegedly originating from Afghan territory

WASHINGTON / ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns over terrorist attacks allegedly originating from Afghan territory, saying Islamabad believes the Afghan Taliban have not done enough to prevent militant groups from operating across the border.

Speaking about Pakistan’s security concerns, Rubio said that Islamabad was worried about terrorist attacks being sponsored from Afghanistan and had taken action in response to the perceived threat.

“Pakistan is concerned about terrorist attacks that are being sponsored from the territory of Afghanistan. They think that the Taliban has not done enough to constrain those attacks, and they’ve taken action against it. We don’t want Pakistan to be targeted by terrorism,” Rubio said.

His remarks come amid continuing security concerns along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with Islamabad repeatedly urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to prevent militant organisations, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), from using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Pakistan’s concerns over cross-border militancy

Pakistan has consistently maintained that militant groups operating from neighbouring Afghan territory pose a serious threat to its national security. Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Taliban administration in Kabul to take effective measures against organisations allegedly involved in attacks inside Pakistan.

Pakistani officials have also claimed that evidence has been shared with the Afghan authorities regarding the presence of militant networks and alleged sanctuaries across the border.

The government has maintained that preventing attacks on its territory is a fundamental security responsibility and that it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its citizens and national interests.

Rubio’s comments have drawn attention because they publicly acknowledge the security concerns Islamabad has raised regarding militant activity originating from Afghanistan. His statement also reflects Washington’s stated opposition to Pakistan being targeted by terrorist organisations.

Doha commitments remain in focus

The issue has also brought renewed attention to the counterterrorism commitments associated with the 2020 Doha Agreement between the United States and the Taliban.

Pakistan has urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban authorities to ensure that Afghan territory is not used by militant organisations to threaten other countries.

Islamabad argues that the Taliban administration must take concrete action against groups that it says are responsible for cross-border attacks, rather than allowing the issue to undermine regional security and stability.

The situation remains a significant challenge for relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly as both countries face the consequences of militant violence and tensions along their shared border.

Diplomatic response awaited

Rubio’s remarks have added an important dimension to the ongoing discussion surrounding Pakistan’s security concerns and the role of the Afghan Taliban in addressing militant activity.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad has yet to issue an official response to the US secretary of state’s statement.

The latest development highlights the continuing importance of counterterrorism cooperation and diplomatic engagement among regional and international stakeholders.

Pakistan has maintained that lasting regional stability requires effective action against militant groups and assurances that Afghan territory will not be used to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.