Former Pakistani Prime Minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Imran Khan, has warned that growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan risk fueling a new wave of terrorism across the region.

Speaking from Adiala Jail, Khan emphasized that the only sustainable solution lies in political dialogue, not military escalation.

According to reports by Pakistani media, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan met with Imran Khan inside the prison during proceedings of the Toshakhana-2 case. Following the meeting, Gohar Ali Khan told journalists that the PTI founder had “strongly condemned all forms of terrorism,” while insisting that Pakistan must pursue “a political path to resolve disputes with Afghanistan.”

“Imran Khan believes that military attacks or cross-border operations in Afghanistan could worsen the situation, leading to an increase in terrorist activities within Pakistan,” Gohar Ali Khan said.

The comments were made in the presence of Senator Ali Zafar and lawyer Mohammad Ali Saif, who also attended the meeting with the jailed PTI leader.

Imran Khan’s warning comes amid renewed border clashes between the forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Pakistani border guards along the Durand Line.

On Saturday night, October 19, heavy exchanges of fire were reported at multiple crossing points, escalating tensions between the two neighbors. Both sides have since reinforced their positions, and trade at several key border crossings has slowed significantly.

Observers warn that a prolonged standoff could destabilize the border provinces and derail ongoing security coordination efforts between Kabul and Islamabad.

Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, also weighed in on the issue, urging Pakistan’s government to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.

“Pakistan should negotiate with Afghanistan instead of launching military operations. A political solution must replace military tensions,” she said, echoing her brother’s longstanding advocacy for peaceful engagement with the Taliban-led Afghan government.

The PTI leadership reiterated its stance that peace and stability in the region depend on mutual respect, diplomatic dialogue, and avoidance of hostile rhetoric.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have been strained in recent months over cross-border security incidents and mutual accusations of harboring militant groups. Pakistan has accused the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghan territory to launch attacks, while the Islamic Emirate insists it does not allow any group to threaten neighboring countries.

Regional analysts note that Khan’s latest remarks reflect a growing domestic debate within Pakistan over how to manage the complex and volatile relationship with Afghanistan—balancing national security concerns with the need for long-term stability through dialogue.

Even while imprisoned, Imran Khan continues to voice his commitment to negotiated solutions over military confrontation, a principle that has defined much of his foreign policy stance during his time as prime minister. 

His call for restraint comes at a time when tensions across the Pakistan–Afghanistan border are once again threatening to spill into broader instability—underscoring the urgent need for regional diplomacy and political dialogue over renewed conflict. (ILKHA)