Kabul Rejects Allegations Amid Rising Security Concerns
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence has dismissed Pakistan’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, asserting that Afghan territory remains secure and unused against any state. Spokesperson Enayatullah Khawarzami described Pakistan’s security apprehensions as unfounded, portraying Afghanistan under Taliban governance as stable and peaceful.
However, regional security discourse continues to highlight growing evidence suggesting militant safe havens inside Afghanistan. United Nations Monitoring Team assessments have repeatedly documented the presence of over twenty regional and international militant organisations operating within Afghan territory since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. These findings have intensified scrutiny over Kabul’s capacity and willingness to dismantle extremist infrastructure.
Responsibility Beyond Rhetoric
Security analysts argue that condemnations issued after terrorist attacks fail to substitute the responsibilities of a governing authority to prevent recruitment, training, financing and cross-border movement of militant networks. Patterns of violence linked to Afghan-based groups continue to raise concerns regarding enforcement mechanisms along porous borders.
Pakistan maintains that terrorism possesses transnational dimensions requiring coordinated regional accountability. Officials contend that dismissing cross-border facilitation risks overlooking operational linkages between militant actors and safe havens beyond Pakistan’s territorial jurisdiction.
Governance, Legitimacy and International Scrutiny
The Taliban’s assertions of Islamic governance face mounting international criticism over human rights policies, particularly restrictions on women’s education, employment and participation in public life. Several Islamic scholars and legal experts have questioned whether governance practices involving collective punishments and curbs on civil liberties align with established Islamic jurisprudence.
Observers argue that long-term regional stability requires Afghanistan to deny militant groups territorial sanctuary, logistical support and operational freedom. Continued presence of extremist networks risks deepening regional mistrust and complicating counterterrorism coordination across South and Central Asia.
