Pakistan's president defends ongoing strikes in Afghanistan and urges Kabul to dismantle militants - AP News
AP News
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan's President Arif Alvi has defended his country's ongoing military strikes in Afghanistan, asserting that they are necessary to target extremist groups operating along the shared border. In a recent interview with *The Wall Street Journal*, Alvi emphasized that these operations are conducted only when militants pose an immediate threat to Pakistan's security and stability. He also called on the Afghan government in Kabul to take stronger action against militant groups, accusing them of failing to address the issue adequately.
Alvi's comments come amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has been carrying out targeted strikes in Afghan territory for years, particularly in regions like North Waziristan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Taliban have a strong presence. These operations have often drawn criticism from Kabul, which argues that they violate Afghan sovereignty and disrupt peace efforts.
The President's remarks highlight Pakistan's long-standing concern about its western neighbor's inability or unwillingness to combat terrorism effectively. He pointed out that while Islamabad has consistently taken military action against armed groups, Kabul has not matched the same level of determination. Alvi also stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the shared threat of terrorism, calling for greater support from global allies.
Alvi's stance underscores the delicate balance Pakistan must strike between its own security needs and its relationship with Afghanistan. While he acknowledged the challenges of targeting extremists without causing harm to Afghan civilians, he maintained that such operations are sometimes unavoidable. He also reiterated Pakistan's willingness to engage in dialogue with Kabul to resolve disputes over cross-border security issues.
This issue is critical for readers interested in understanding the complex dynamics between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the broader implications for regional stability. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges of counterterrorism in a volatile region and
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Originally published on AP News on 3/2/2026