Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says Pakistan has suffered more than $100 billion in economic losses from terrorism and calls for an end to militant safe havens in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has suffered more than $100 billion in economic losses in the war against terrorism, while more than 20,000 terrorists are present in Afghanistan, including over 6,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Monday.

Addressing a conference on the evolving landscape of counterterrorism, Tarar said Pakistan had made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and had played a major role in improving regional and international security.

“Pakistan has made the greatest sacrifices in the war against terrorism,” the information minister said, highlighting the human and economic costs of the conflict.

He said Pakistan continued to face the challenges of terrorism and extremism, adding that the country had contributed to making the world safer through its counterterrorism efforts.

Tarar highlights militant presence in Afghanistan

Tarar said more than 20,000 terrorists were present in Afghanistan and that more than 6,000 TTP militants were taking refuge there. He alleged that militants were operating from safe havens on Afghan soil and receiving various forms of training.

The minister said Pakistan wanted to see extremism and militancy eliminated from Afghanistan. He also said the country had repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities, through various forums, to play their role in ending terrorism.

Tarar stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the interests of Pakistan and the wider region. His remarks underscored Islamabad’s stated concerns about militant activity originating from Afghan territory.

The figures regarding militant presence and training were presented by the minister during his address.

Pakistan’s role in regional peace

Tarar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, saying the country had played a mediating role between the United States and Iran and contributed to regional peace initiatives.

He said Pakistan had worked to promote peace and stability in the region alongside its efforts to combat terrorism.

The information minister also referred to Pakistan’s long-standing hosting of Afghan refugees, saying the country had accommodated 4 million Afghans over a period of 40 years.

He said Pakistan’s hospitality and goodwill toward Afghan refugees had been witnessed by the international community.

KP residents described as patriotic

Addressing the broader security situation, Tarar said Pakistan continued to face the challenge of extremism and reiterated the need for sustained efforts against terrorism.

He also described the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as patriotic, distinguishing the province’s population from the security challenges facing the region.

The minister’s remarks focused on Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, concerns about militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan and the importance of regional cooperation to achieve lasting peace.