ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has urged Afghanistan to assure its soil is not used against Pakistan, Pakistani state media reported on Friday, amid a surge in militancy in Pakistan’s western regions.
Pakistan has struggled to contain surging militancy, particularly in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province that borders Afghanistan, since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022.
Islamabad has frequently blamed the surge in militancy on Afghanistan, accusing it of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny involvement and insist that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.
Dar said Pakistan shares common religion, culture and history with Afghanistan, and Islamabad would continue to provide all assistance to the landlocked neighboring country, the APP news agency reported.
“We are well wishers of Afghanistan and wished them prosperity,” he was quoted as saying. “However, we wanted assurance from the Afghan authorities that their soil will be not used against Pakistan.”
The statement came as Pakistani security forces killed six TTP militants in an intelligence-based operation in the restive KP province, according to the Pakistani military.
The TTP has stepped up its attacks and frequently targeted security forces, convoys and police check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
Dar was of the view that the United States and allied forces withdrawal from Afghanistan should not have left behind weapons and ammunition, which came in access of militant outfits.
“Pakistan would retaliate to an attack from any neighboring country,” he said.
Islamabad urges Afghanistan to assure its soil is not used against Pakistan
https://arab.news/zq46x
Islamabad urges Afghanistan to assure its soil is not used against Pakistan
- Pakistan has struggled to contain surging militancy since a fragile truce between Pakistani Taliban, Islamabad broke down in 2022
- Islamabad has frequently blamed the rise in attacks on militant groups operating out of Afghanistan, an allegation denied by Kabul
Last supermoon of the year illuminates the night sky over Pakistan
- ‘Cold moon’ visible from Thursday evening to early Friday
- Brightest supermoon of the year occurred earlier on Nov. 5
LAHORE: Astronomy enthusiasts, students and families gathered in Pakistan’s cultural capital Lahore on Thursday night to observe the final supermoon of 2025.
It’s the third supermoon of the year and the last supermoon of 2025, according to Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, causing it to appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
There are typically three to four supermoons in a year.
“It looks just beautiful, a delight. It is bright and shiny. I like watching full moon and always watch it when bright and full. Watching full moon always gives me a soothing pleasure,” resident of Lahore Saeeda Ahmed said.
“The supermoon is beautiful,” said another resident Ahsan Rasheed.
“There is a waterfall nearby and it’s reflection in water is enhancing the beauty. As you can feel the moon is very bright today. It is brighter than an ordinary full moon.”
The December full moon is traditionally called the Cold Moon due to its appearance in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season.
SUPARCO on Wednesday encouraged astronomy enthusiasts, families and students to observe the event, noting that no special optical gear is required.
The brightest supermoon of the year occurred earlier on Nov. 5, when the Moon came slightly closer at 356,978 km.
Pakistan’s space agency said 2025 has been one of the most favorable years for sky-watchers in South Asia, with multiple clear viewing windows and high illumination.
