PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) on Friday pledged full support to the country’s armed forces in defending national sovereignty amid rising tensions with Afghanistan and urged the interim Afghan government to take concrete steps to prevent cross-border terrorism.

The party’s provincial chairman, Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, expressed these views while addressing an emergency meeting of the party’s provincial cabinet at Watan Kor here.

“We stand united with our armed forces in defending the sovereignty of our country,” he said, adding that while safeguarding national interests remained paramount, lasting stability could only be achieved through meaningful dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

He said that in the present circumstances it was imperative for de-escalating the situation that the interim Afghan government translates its commitments into “concrete, visible and verifiable measures” against militant elements operating from its territory. Preventing cross-border terrorism, he added, was a fundamental responsibility of the Afghan state.

Pledges full support to armed forces against Afghan aggression

Recalling that Pakistan had repeatedly called for an end to cross-border movement and the bloodshed of security personnel and innocent civilians, Sherpao said safeguarding territorial integrity was non-negotiable. “We have consistently pursued dialogue and meaningful negotiations to ensure peace. We firmly stand with Pakistan’s principled position,” he added.

He urged the interim Afghan authorities to take practical measures to prevent militants from operating against Pakistan and underlined the importance of using diplomatic channels to facilitate de-escalation and confidence-building.

He also stressed that in the face of evolving security challenges, national cohesion and institutional support were essential for safeguarding national security.

Expressing concern over deteriorating relations and mounting tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said developments along the border and the prevailing security environment required prudence, unity and strategic clarity.

He said that in recent years Islamabad had consistently conveyed its legitimate security concerns to Kabul and the international community, emphasising that Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used for activities hostile to Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2026