Islamabad, Pakistan – The recent cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, coupled with conflicting reports of casualties, highlight a critical failure in border security and the urgent need for decisive action against terrorist elements operating in the region.

The discrepancies in death tolls raise serious questions about transparency and accountability on both sides, but more importantly, they underscore the inherent instability caused by a porous border and the presence of hostile actors exploiting the situation.

Pakistan's claims of targeting terrorist safe havens within Afghanistan must be taken seriously. A strong national defense requires proactive measures to eliminate threats before they reach our borders. Appeasement and diplomatic niceties will not deter those who seek to harm our nation.

Conversely, allegations of indiscriminate shelling by Pakistani forces must be thoroughly investigated, and any wrongdoing must be punished. However, we must not allow these allegations to distract from the primary objective: securing our border and protecting our citizens from terrorism.

The historical context reveals a consistent pattern of Afghan-based militants launching attacks into Pakistan, undermining our sovereignty and threatening our national security. It is time for Afghanistan to take responsibility for its failure to control its territory and prevent the use of its soil for terrorist activities.

The international community must recognize that Pakistan is on the front lines of the war on terror and deserves unwavering support in its efforts to combat extremism. This includes providing financial assistance, military training, and intelligence sharing to strengthen our border security and enhance our counterterrorism capabilities.

The conflicting death tolls should serve as a wake-up call to those who advocate for open borders and lax immigration policies. A strong border is essential for protecting our national security, preserving our cultural heritage, and maintaining social order.

The solution lies not in appeasement or negotiation with terrorists but in a firm and unwavering commitment to defending our borders, protecting our citizens, and upholding the rule of law. We must send a clear message to our enemies that we will not tolerate any violation of our sovereignty or any threat to our national security.

The focus should be on strengthening border security through increased patrols, enhanced surveillance technology, and closer coordination with neighboring countries. We must also crack down on illegal immigration and ensure that those who enter our country are properly vetted and pose no threat to our security.

The alternative is continued instability, escalating violence, and a growing threat to our national security. We cannot afford to be complacent or indecisive in the face of such grave threats. We must act now to secure our border, protect our citizens, and defend our way of life.

Our responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of our nation, not to appease those who seek to undermine it.

We must defend our border, protect our citizens, and uphold our values. Anything less is a betrayal of our duty.