Pakistan’s top military commander urges Afghanistan’s Taliban to choose clearly between aligning with Islamabad or backing the Pakistani Taliban, the militant group accused of spearheading a wave of deadly attacks in recent years.
Democracy Dies in Darkness
Pakistan’s newly appointed chief of defence forces has pressed Afghanistan’s Taliban government to decide where its loyalties lie: maintain relations with Pakistan’s government or support the Pakistani Taliban. This comes as the militant outfit has been blamed for a string of lethal attacks in recent years.
December 8, 2025 at 8:37 a.m. EST — Just now
By Munir Ahmed | AP
ISLAMABAD — At his headquarters in Rawalpindi, the garrison city where he received a guard of honor from the three branches of the armed forces, Pakistan’s newly appointed armed forces chief spoke about the need for a clear stance from Afghanistan’s Taliban government. This ceremony also marked the launch of Pakistan’s new joint military command.
Gen. Asim Munir, who recently ascended to the position, made the remarks publicly as part of the unveiling events at the Rawalpindi base.
Context and nuance: The appeal underscores Pakistan’s concern about security on its western flank, where cross-border militant activity has long been a point of contention. For readers new to the topic, the Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) is a separate group from Afghanistan’s Taliban and has conducted numerous attacks inside Pakistan over the years.
Key takeaway: The general’s message signals that Pakistan seeks a definite, transparent relationship with Afghanistan—one that does not enable cross-border militant violence while recognizing mutual security interests in a volatile region.
Controversy hook: Some analysts argue that Afghanistan’s leadership has its own strategic calculations and may resist external pressure to distance itself from all militant groups. Others contend that a stable, cooperative security framework with Pakistan is essential for regional stability. What’s your take on whether Afghan-Pakistani security ties can be aligned without compromising regional autonomy? Share thoughts in the comments.
