Pakistan Must Take Credible Action on Cross-Border Terrorism Before World Believes Its Claims: MEA
The statement came amid renewed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Paktika provinces. New Delhi separately condemned the strikes and expressed concern over reported civilian casualties.
India on Tuesday said Pakistan needs to demonstrate concrete and credible action against cross-border terrorism before its assurances can gain international credibility. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks while responding to comments by Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who said the country's armed forces remained committed to combating terrorism.
The statement came amid renewed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Paktika provinces. New Delhi separately condemned the strikes and expressed concern over reported civilian casualties. MEA Expects 1,200-1,300 Journalists for BRICS Summit Coverage, Says Information Dissemination Key Challenge.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at Bi-Weekly Media Briefing
Bi-Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (September 22, 2026)
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2026
MEA Calls for Concrete Action
Responding to questions about Munir's remarks, Jaiswal said Pakistan must demonstrate both action and a firm commitment to tackling cross-border terrorism. “Pakistan needs to demonstrate action and firm commitment,” Jaiswal said, adding that Islamabad must take credible action before the international community believes what it says it intends to do.
Munir made his comments during a visit to Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, where he was briefed on the security situation, counter-terrorism operations and border management measures, according to Pakistan's military media wing. ‘Just a Gimmick’: India Slams Pakistan Over Fresh Bounty on Jaish Chief Masood Azhar.
India Condemns Pakistan's Airstrikes on Afghanistan
The MEA also strongly criticised Pakistan's recent military action in Afghanistan. Jaiswal said Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika had resulted in civilian deaths and described attacks on a sovereign neighbour as harmful to regional peace and security. India also reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed the deaths of three civilians — a man, a woman and a girl — following the reported strikes, according to multiple reports.
Pakistan Says Strikes Targeted Militants
Pakistan has said its military action targeted militant camps and safe havens in the border region with Afghanistan. According to Pakistan's Information Ministry, the strikes were based on what it described as credible intelligence and targeted groups responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad said 28 militants were killed in the operation.
Afghan authorities, however, reported civilian casualties and condemned the strikes. The Taliban government has also denied accusations that Afghan territory is being used to facilitate attacks against Pakistan.
Tensions Rise Along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border
The latest developments follow a period of relative calm between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused militant groups operating from Afghan territory, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan has said it expects Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory for attacks. Afghan authorities have rejected the allegations. The recent strikes and subsequent statements have added to tensions along the two countries' border.
India's Position on Regional Security
India's latest comments place cross-border terrorism at the centre of its broader security concerns involving Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently maintained that meaningful action against terrorism is necessary for improving the security environment in the region. The latest MEA remarks came as Pakistan publicly reiterated its commitment to fighting militancy while also conducting military operations against alleged militant targets across its border with Afghanistan. The situation remains fluid, with developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border being closely watched by countries in the region.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 08:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
