The powerful interior minister of the Taliban, Sirajuddin Haqqani, has issued a warning to Pakistan against using military force to target a militant group in Afghanistan. This statement indicates a potential shift in stance by a influential faction within the Kabul government.

Haqqani, who is known for his close ties to Pakistan’s powerful spy agency, made this statement in response to Pakistani leaders threatening to target militants operating in Afghanistan for their role in a recent suicide bomb attack.

The attack, claimed by the Islamic State, resulted in the deaths of over 60 people. Haqqani cautioned against resolving the issue through force and urged Islamabad to engage in discussions with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a local group responsible for numerous attacks in Pakistan.

Haqqani's warning aligns with other Taliban leaders' comments on ties with Pakistan, such as Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob. Haqqani's views hold significant weight as he brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and TTP last year, which was ultimately cut short.

The TTP has become emboldened since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, carrying out numerous attacks in Pakistan. In January, the group orchestrated a suicide bombing in Peshawar, claiming the lives of at least 100 people, marking one of its deadliest attacks.

The recent tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan highlights the ongoing challenges posed by militant groups operating along the border region. In response to the attacks, Pakistan's military chief, Gen. Asim Munir, issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban, cautioning them to put an end to harboring militants planning cross-border attacks.

Gen. Munir emphasized that if the Afghan Taliban fail to do so, Pakistan's forces will respond effectively to protect its interests. The recent attacks in Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and witnessed the deaths of 12 Pakistani soldiers, have raised concerns about the safe havens and freedom of action enjoyed by the Pakistani Taliban within Afghanistan.

Balochistan province, rich in gas resources, has been a site of low-level insurgency by Baluch separatists for two decades. These nationalists initially sought a greater share of provincial resources but later began an insurgency for independence.

Alongside the Baluch separatists, the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been responsible for most attacks on Pakistani troops and police in the province. The Afghan Taliban's rise to power has further emboldened the TTP, as they continue to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

As the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains tense, it is crucial for both countries to address the issue of militant groups operating within their territories. Cooperative efforts and dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as with other regional stakeholders, will be critical in ensuring stability and countering the threat of terrorism in the region.