Referring to his February 8, 2026 statement, the president said Pakistan strongly objects to the situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has created conditions similar to or worse than those before 9/11.

He stressed that when terrorist groups are allowed space or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians worldwide. “It is a matter of deep concern that the de facto authorities in Kabul, a regime not recognized by the UN, continue to permit terrorist elements to operate from Afghan soil, violating their Doha Accord commitments,” he said.

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President Zardari cited the latest United Nations Security Council report, which confirms that groups including Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISIL-K) Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaida, East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) /TIP, Jamaat Ansarullah, and others are present in Afghanistan and continue to plan attacks. He said this poses serious threats to neighboring countries, including Pakistan. 

He added that Pakistan has exercised restraint, limiting responses to terrorist hideouts near the border, but warned that the planners and facilitators of violence will not remain beyond reach if attacks continue.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability, the president said: “Peace cannot rest on denial, duplicity, or inaction against terrorism. The protection of Pakistani lives remains paramount and non-negotiable.”