The cases of Afghan nationals infiltrating Pakistan and engaging in terrorist activities have been on the rise. On Feb 28, Pakistani security forces conducted an operation in Ghulam Khan Kalle, killing 14 terrorists — one of whom was later identified as an Afghan citizen.
According to security sources, the deceased terrorist, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, was a resident of Dandar village in Chak district of Maidan Wardak province, Afghanistan. He also held a senior position as a commander of the 3rd Battalion at Afghanistan’s Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal National Military Academy.
The infiltration of Afghan terrorists into Pakistan remains a persistent security threat. Intelligence reports indicate an increasing number of Afghan nationals being involved in attacks within Pakistan. The February 28 encounter is not an isolated incident but part of a wider pattern of cross-border terrorism.
On January 30, 2025, another Afghan terrorist, Badaruddin, was killed during an operation in Dera Ismail Khan. Security officials confirmed that Badaruddin was a lieutenant in the Afghan army and the son of the deputy governor of Bagdhis province. His involvement further highlights the growing concern over Afghan military-trained individuals engaging in terrorism inside Pakistan.
Many Afghan nationals enter Pakistan under the pretense of seeking medical treatment or education but later become involved with extremist organizations. Some willingly join terrorist groups, while others are recruited and radicalized within Pakistan. Security sources have also revealed that former commanders of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) maintain strong links with terrorist networks, further complicating Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
The continued use of Afghan soil as a safe haven for terrorists poses a serious security challenge for Pakistan. Authorities have raised concerns over the lack of action from Afghan authorities in preventing these cross-border infiltrations. The growing number of Afghan nationals involved in terrorist activities underscores the urgent need for stronger border controls and coordinated international efforts to curb terrorism in the region.
