Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir has warned the Taliban that they must “choose between Pakistan and the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),” saying they have enabled the militant group’s resurgence.
Munir said TTP fighters had grown “bolder and more active” since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, and reiterated that Pakistan would not compromise on its national security or territorial integrity.
“The current government in Afghanistan must choose between Pakistan and the scourge of the Khawarij (TTP). After the Taliban takeover, TTP has become more emboldened, but Pakistan will not make any compromise on its national security,” Munir said, according to comments shared by Pakistani media.
He also repeated Islamabad’s longstanding allegation that the Taliban allow anti-Pakistan militants, including groups with links to India, to operate from Afghan soil — an accusation the Taliban have consistently denied.
The Taliban have yet to comment on Munir’s remarks.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have sharply escalated in recent months. Four rounds of talks in Doha, Istanbul and Riyadh have ended without progress, while both sides have clashed repeatedly along the border.
Pakistan has conducted several airstrikes on Taliban-controlled territory, including in Spin Boldak in Kandahar province. The Taliban accused Pakistan of killing civilians, including children, in the latest strikes — claims Islamabad has not publicly addressed.
India reacted to reports of civilian deaths.
“India is following reports of civilian casualties with serious concern. Attacks on civilians are unacceptable. India firmly supports Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry.
Analysts say the Pakistan-Taliban rift is driven by Kabul’s refusal to act against TTP, as well as the Taliban’s expanding diplomatic engagement with India, Pakistan’s regional rival.