Pakistani Officials Criticize Army Approach Toward Afghanistan at Quetta Meeting

Several Pakistani political parties and officials criticized the army's approach toward neighboring countries, particularly Afghanistan, during a meeting in Quetta.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi told army chief Asim Munir that the army's adventurism is unacceptable to the people of Pakistan. Afridi said: "People of Pakistan! As you know, when we talk about neighboring countries like Afghanistan and criticize policies formulated behind closed doors, they tell us to go to Afghanistan. When we talk about Iran, they say go to Iran. Is Pakistan your father's property? Pakistan is mine! I am a citizen of this country, and it is this ordinary citizen that forms this 'government.'"

Hussain Ahmad Yusufzai, spokesperson for the Pakistan Religious Protection Movement, stated that the movement will never accept violations of Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Yusufzai added: "Today, from this very platform, I announce to those forces that regarding Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, we will never compromise with you. Any Pashtun or any Afghan who does not respect Afghanistan's territorial integrity, peace, and sovereignty, we will stand against him."

Mahmoud Khan Achakzai, leader of the opposition in Pakistan's Senate, called for a peaceful resolution of tensions with Afghanistan.

Pakistan's ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, said Islamabad has requested Moscow to mediate in the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar affirmed Pakistan's commitment to rooting out terrorism, stating that actions inside Afghanistan against threats from India's RAW and the TTP align with this goal.

A Financial Times editorial urged the United States to pressure Pakistan's military leadership, especially Asim Munir, to stop cross-border attacks while encouraging the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to combat terrorism. It warned that ignoring the issue risks all-out war threatening South and Central Asia's stability.

The internal opposition grows as Pakistan's announced ceasefire nears its end on March 24, though the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not specified a duration, leaving its continuation uncertain.