Islamabad, October 12, 2025: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday expressed serious concern over the recent escalation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, condemning what he described as unprovoked firing and cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban.
In a statement on social media platform X, Dar termed the Taliban’s actions a “serious provocation”, saying Pakistan had given a strong and effective response to defend its sovereignty and citizens.
“Pakistan’s retaliatory measures are directed against the Taliban’s military infrastructure and those terrorist elements who, from Afghan soil, are pursuing agendas such as ‘Fitna-e-Khawarij’ and ‘Fitna-e-Hind’ to target Pakistan,” the deputy prime minister said.
He clarified that Pakistan’s defensive actions were not aimed at the Afghan people, but were solely focused on neutralising terrorist networks operating from Afghanistan.
Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan would take all necessary steps to protect its territory, sovereignty, and people, and urged the Taliban government to take concrete and practical measures against the militant groups seeking to damage bilateral relations.
“Pakistan is exercising maximum restraint and responsibility to ensure that no innocent civilian is harmed,” he added.
The statement comes amid rising tensions along the border, following reports of cross-border firing and infiltration attempts from Afghan territory. Islamabad maintains that such actions undermine regional stability and bilateral trust, while reiterating its commitment to peace and stability in the region.
