Ishaq Dar: 4,000 Security Forces Killed, 20,000 Wounded Since Taliban Takeover

DID Press: Pakistan’s Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar reported on Saturday that more than 4,000 Pakistani security personnel have been killed and over 20,000 injured since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan. Speaking at a press conference, Dar warned of increasing attacks originating from Afghan territory, but emphasized that a direct military action against a “brother country” is not a preferred option.

Dar noted that Pakistan halted its military operations across the Afghan border last month at Qatar’s request, following Doha’s offer to mediate. However, the mediation effort “failed to produce results,” he said. Pakistan continues to expect the Taliban to prevent terrorist groups from operating within Afghanistan.

Highlighting recent diplomatic engagements in Russia, Bahrain, and other countries, Dar stated that the international community — including the European Union — has expressed support for Pakistan’s position on curbing terrorist activities emanating from Afghanistan. He called on the Taliban to “reconsider their policies,” underscoring that stability in Afghanistan is essential for regional security.

This statement comes amid ongoing cross-border attacks affecting Pakistan’s security forces, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insurgent and militant groups have intensified operations in recent years.