ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday welcomed a positive change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that the province’s populace is firmly committed to fighting terrorism and achieving the permanent eradication of this menace. The Minister’s remarks come as the government navigates a complex security environment, following Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Details Failed Efforts to Avert KP Crisis, which has underscored the urgency of regional stability.

Pakistan’s Strategic Stance on Counter-Terrorism

Addressing an international conference on Pakistan’s Evolving Counter-Terrorism Landscape and Regional Peace and Security, Tarar emphasized that the state’s fight against extremism will continue with full force. Highlighting the historical cost of these efforts, he noted that Pakistan has been at the forefront of the global war on terror for decades, suffering the loss of over 90,000 lives and economic damages exceeding $100 billion. He described Pakistan as an ambassador of peace and a bastion of resistance against violent ideologies, noting that every sacrifice made by a Pakistani citizen contributes to broader global security.

Diplomacy and Regional Security Challenges

Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent role in international mediation between the United States and Iran, Tarar stated that the country has solidified its reputation as a credible peace-broker. He credited the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir for this diplomatic standing. Despite these successes, he expressed concern regarding Afghanistan, noting that while Pakistan has sought to foster stability for the benefit of trade and connectivity with Central Asia, these diplomatic overtures have yet to yield the desired cooperation from the interim Afghan government.

Cross-Border Terrorism and Security Concerns

Tarar highlighted the persistent threat posed by safe havens across the international border. Citing United Nations and independent assessments, he stated that more than 6,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists are estimated to operate from Afghan soil, with total militant figures exceeding 20,000. He criticized the exploitation of Afghan territory for the planning and execution of attacks against Pakistan, warning that the state’s commitment to peace should not be interpreted as weakness. Addressing the humanitarian situation, he further noted that the current Afghan regime’s exclusionary policies toward women and minorities remain a significant hurdle to regional peace.

Unified Government Resolve

Following his recent visit to Kohat to meet victims of terror attacks, Tarar reiterated that the Pakistani government, the Foreign Office under Senator Ishaq Dar, and the military remain unified in their approach to securing the nation. He referenced the 38th United Nations Monitoring Report, which documents the relocation of approximately 2,000 TTP operatives deeper into Afghanistan. Concluding his address, Tarar emphasized that Pakistan possesses the internal strength and national resolve to defend its borders while continuing to champion a future defined by prosperity and regional cooperation.