Pakistan must crack down on cross-border terrorism before the world believes it will do what it says: MEA

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addresses a bi-weekly press conference in New Delhi. | Photo credit: ANI

Pakistan must take “credible action” against cross-border terrorism before the world believes Islamabad will do what it says, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday (22 Sep 2026).

During his fortnightly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked how Delhi viewed the comments by Pakistan’s Defense Force Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who said the armed forces were determined to defeat terrorism amid the growing threat of militancy in the country.

“Pakistan needs to show action and firm resolve. And it needs to take credible steps against cross-border terrorism before the world believes it will do what it says,” he said.

After last year’s Pahalgam attack, India argued that Islamabad should credibly and irrevocably renounce its support for cross-border terrorism.

Field Marshal Munir said earlier in the day that the Pakistan Armed Forces are determined to defeat terrorism amid the growing menace of militancy in the country.

The Field Marshal visited the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar where he met senior officers and was briefed about the prevailing security situation in the province, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He was also informed about the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, border management measures and operational readiness of the formations deployed in the province.

“He emphasized that the armed forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain resolute in their determination to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability throughout the country,” the Pakistan military said.

Field Marshal Munir also paid tribute to those who laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism.

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Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil — especially those linked to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — that are used to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

However, Afghanistan denies that its territory was used for attacks against Pakistan.

India on Tuesday (Sep 22, 2026) also strongly condemned the airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in parts of Afghanistan, saying “such instances of aggression” against a sovereign neighbor is something that disrupts regional peace and security.

Mr. Jaiswal said this in response to a query during the fortnightly media briefing.

Pakistan said on Monday (21 September 2026) that its security forces had carried out raids on terrorist camps and hideouts in the border area with Afghanistan, killing 28 terrorists, including several suicide bombers.

Mr. Jaiswal was also asked to comment on reports that Pakistan has filed a fresh claim in connection with the recent pronouncement of the “Court of Arbitration (CoA)” related to the Indus Waters Treaty.

“Regarding the ‘permanent court’ or the so-called ‘Permanent Court of Arbitration’, I would like to say that Pakistan has a habit of distorting facts and promoting falsehoods to serve its malicious propaganda.

“To begin with, the so-called judgment is not a judgment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration as the Pakistani minister tried to suggest. It is a judgment of an illegally constituted court. We see this as just another attempt by Pakistan to distort reality. Our position on this issue is very clear and we have reiterated it several times,” Mr Jaiswal said.

Published – 23 Sep 2026 07:03 IST