Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Urges Afghanistan to Act Against TTP

Islamabad, Pakistan - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the terrorist activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) originating from Afghanistan. He described these actions as intolerable and a red line, urging the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to take immediate action against the group.

During a federal cabinet meeting, Sharif highlighted the ongoing attacks by the TTP, which have resulted in the loss of innocent lives in Pakistan. He stated, "This cannot go on. We have conveyed to the Afghan government that we desire good ties with them, but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people. This is a red line. TTP operating from there against Pakistan is unacceptable."

Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly relations with Afghanistan, especially in trade and economic areas, due to their shared border. He expressed Pakistan's willingness to engage in discussions with the Afghan administration but insisted that any strategy allowing TTP operations against Pakistan is unacceptable.

This statement follows a recent airstrike by the Pakistani military in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province on December 24, which resulted in the deaths of 46 people, including women and children, and injured six others. The Pakistani military claimed the airstrikes targeted TTP bases, leading to the deaths of several militants and the destruction of four TTP bases.

However, the Taliban's Ministry of Defence contested this claim, stating that the strike also affected "Waziristani refugees." This escalation has increased tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the Taliban warning of possible retaliation.