CHITRAL: The growing presence of militants linked to the banned Indian-backed proxy group Fitna Al Khwarij, more widely known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in Afghanistan’s northeastern Nuristan province has raised serious concerns for the peace and stability of Chitral— a district known for its beauty, harmony and peaceful traditions.
Chitral is not only culturally significant but its strategic location near Wakhan Corridor, bordering both Afghanistan and China, makes it geopolitically sensitive. Any instability here could have broader regional implications.
For decades, Chitral stood apart as a symbol of resilience and calm, even during the height of militancy in other parts of the Malakand Division. However, recent developments across the Afghan border now threaten to disrupt this long-standing peace.
In past years, militants operating from Nuristan have carried out cross-border attacks, targeting security check posts and civilian areas. These incursions often involve looting livestock, damaging property and then retreating back into Afghan territory.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Khawarij militants in Kunar and Nuristan have expanded significantly. Reports indicate that they freely operate and move within these areas using them as safe havens.
Pakistan’s security forces, including the Chitral Scouts and Pakistan Army, remain firmly on alert. They have successfully repelled multiple infiltration attempts and continue to defend the border with courage and sacrifice. In doing so, several brave personnel have embraced martyrdom ensuring that these Indian-backed militants fail in their attempts to disturb Chitral’s peace.
Despite their presence and growing activities, the Taliban-led Afghan government continues to deny the presence of foreign militant groups on its soil. But the reality tells a different story. The operational freedom enjoyed by the Khawarij in Kunar and Nuristan provinces is clear evidence that contradicts these claims and underlines the growing threat to Pakistan’s border districts—particularly Chitral.
Pakistan has time and again raised these concerns at regional and international forums. It is now time for the international community to hold Afghan authorities accountable for harbouring and enabling militants through the continued provision of safe havens along the border. By allowing militant groups to operate freely, the Taliban regime is in breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and its own commitments under international counterterrorism frameworks.
Repeated infiltration attempts have been reported in Arandu, Damil and Ursoon, key border areas vulnerable to cross-border militant activity. Continued inaction and silence from Kabul threaten regional peace efforts including projects under CPEC, SCO and other multilateral frameworks aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade in Central and South Asia.
The people of Chitral along with other border communities deserve to live in peace. It is the responsibility of the Afghan government to take immediate and firm action to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its soil. The current situation demands urgent attention. The time to act is now before this threat spirals beyond control.
