ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s army chief Gen. Asim Munir Wednesday called on Afghanistan not to prefer the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group over Pakistan and join Islamabad in the fight against militancy.

“We desire to have very good relations with Afghanistan, and our message to them is not to prioritize the Fitna-Al-Khawarij (TTP) over their long-standing and benevolent brother Islamic country, and to join us in eliminating this Fitna, just as Pakistan has always stood by you,” Asim said at an event held on the eve of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.

He noted that militant attacks have "increased" in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan.

Islamabad has long accused “Afghan-based” TTP militants of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, however, the interim Taliban administration in Afghanistan has denied the allegation that such attacks are launched from its soil.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank, over 580 people including security personnel and civilians were killed in over 550 suspected militant attacks across Pakistan during the last seven months.

Regarding the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Munir expressed concern over the resurgence of terrorism in the province.

However, he reaffirmed the Pakistani military's commitment to safeguarding and defending the country against all internal and external threats.

The army chief also thanked Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for their unwavering support to Pakistan in every difficult time.





*Riyaz ul Khaliq in Istanbul contributed to this story