Afghan clerics forbid use of soil for cross-border terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Nearly one thousand Afghan clerics and tribal elders have declared that Afghan soil must not be used against any country, urging the Taliban government to strictly enforce the ban on individuals or groups engaging in cross-border terrorism or traveling abroad for militant activities. 

The gathering, held in Kabul, reaffirmed the directive of the Taliban’s supreme leader that Afghanistan will not allow any force to exploit its territory to destabilise neighboring states.

The announcement is being widely viewed as a positive signal and a development that aligns closely with Pakistan’s long-standing position. 

It reinforces Islamabad’s diplomatic engagements with Kabul and validates Pakistan’s consistent demand that Afghan territory should not serve as a base for cross-border terrorism. Analysts note that such declarations echo Pakistan’s broader regional peace narrative, which stresses mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference.

However, past experience tempers optimism. The Taliban authorities have made similar commitments to Pakistan and other regional and international stakeholders in the past, but their implementation record has remained largely discouraging. The real test this time will lie in the sincerity and verifiable enforcement of these pledges on the ground.

If the Taliban regime translates these declarations into concrete, observable measures, it could mark a significant step toward Afghanistan’s internal stability, Pakistan’s security, and the overall peace of the region. 

Credible information available to Pakistan TV indicates that Islamabad will closely monitor the situation, as the implementation alone will determine the credibility of the announcement and its contribution to regional stability.