Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban of supporting militants allegedly backed by India, warning that Islamabad will not allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

Speaking on Thursday at a meeting with tribal elders in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to maintain peaceful relations with Afghanistan but said the Taliban continued to assist India-linked militant groups despite Islamabad’s efforts to improve ties.

He also praised tribal communities for their “unconditional support” to Pakistan’s security forces amid rising tensions between the Pakistani military, Taliban fighters, and militant groups.

Pakistani forces have intensified counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent weeks. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of sheltering and aiding militants operating against Pakistan and has called on Kabul to take concrete action, a demand that was among the key conditions during the second round of peace talks in Istanbul, which ended without progress.

The Taliban have denied Pakistan’s allegations, saying they do not allow their territory to be used for attacks against any country.