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Pakistani authorities have responded to statements by Maulana Fazl ur Rehman regarding border security and cross-border terrorism, highlighting several misconceptions in his remarks. Officials emphasized that legal trade and illegal infiltration are fundamentally different. While trade passes through documented channels, customs checks, and scanning systems, terrorists exploit difficult terrain and move under cover of night to bypass these controls.
Claiming that “if trade cannot pass, how can terrorists enter?” ignores the realities of rugged, long borders. No border in the world—especially a mountainous one—can be 100% sealed. The key is minimizing infiltration and dismantling cross-border networks.
To address these threats, Pakistan has strengthened border management by erecting barriers, increasing checkpoints, and conducting intelligence-based operations. However, authorities noted that Pakistan cannot enforce law inside Afghan territory; border security is a shared responsibility.
Officials also stressed that terrorism is not just a matter of “border crossings.” Behind attacks lie safe havens, financial support, facilitators, and networks operating on both sides of the border.
The response further highlighted that mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan is historical, dating back to 1947, and that Pakistan has repeatedly offered cooperation, trade facilitation, and peace initiatives despite challenges. Characterizing Pakistan’s Afghan policy as “failed over 78 years” overlooks the complexities of decades-long war, foreign interventions, internal divisions, and the weaknesses of Afghan state institutions, which are largely responsible for the current situation.
Pakistan’s authorities concluded that while criticism is part of public discourse, understanding ground realities and cross-border dynamics is essential for constructive debate on security and regional stability.
