Zardari warns Afghanistan under Taliban has returned to ‘pre-9/11’ times

WEB DESK: President Asif Ali Zardari has issued a stark warning that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has created conditions “similar to or worse than pre-9/11,” when terrorist organisations posed grave threats to global peace, ultimately culminating in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Taliban accused of enabling terrorism

In a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat on Sunday, Zardari strongly condemned the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban of allowing terrorist groups to operate from Afghan soil and launch attacks against Pakistan, according to APP. He highlighted that such sanctuaries have repeatedly been used to target Pakistani civilians and security forces.

“Pakistan takes strong exception to the situation in Afghanistan where the Taliban regime has created conditions similar to or worse than pre-9/11, when terror organisations posed threats to global peace ending in the 9/11 tragedy,” the president stated.

Allegations against regional actors

Zardari further accused neighbouring countries, including Pakistan’s eastern neighbour India, of facilitating the Taliban regime by providing direct financial support, technical and military assistance, and becoming “partners in crime” in enabling terrorist activities that threaten not only Pakistan but also regional and global stability.

Remarks follow deadly attacks in Pakistan

The remarks come in the aftermath of deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing at Khadijat-ul-Kubra Imambargah in Islamabad on Friday, which killed at least 36 people and injured over 169 during Friday prayers, as well as coordinated assaults in several cities and towns of Balochistan.

Call for collective international action

Zardari emphasized that terrorism cannot be confronted by any single country in isolation, stressing the need for collective international action to counter militancy and the violent ideology driving it. He warned that when terrorist groups are granted space, facilitation, or impunity beyond national borders, innocent civilians bear the consequences.

Appreciation for global solidarity

The president expressed deep gratitude to world leaders, governments, and international organisations for their solidarity and messages of sympathy following the recent attacks. He said the outpouring of support has brought comfort to the Pakistani people and strengthened resolve among grieving families.

“Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere outpouring of support and solidarity,” Zardari noted, adding that the international community’s compassion has reaffirmed the shared global responsibility to combat terrorism.

Commitment to counterterrorism efforts

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with international partners to achieve lasting peace and stability, vowing a decisive end to terrorism in all its forms.

The statement reflects Islamabad’s longstanding concerns over cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan, amid strained relations with the Taliban authorities and ongoing security challenges in the region.