The Pakistani Taliban has warned foreign firms to leave the country after thousands of troops launched a long-awaited offensive in a troubled tribal district along the Afghan border.
Pakistan launched fresh air strikes on the northwest tribal region where it has deployed up to 30,000 troops to eliminate Taliban and al-Qaeda militants from their border stronghold.
Shahidullah Shahid. Photo: AFP
The action in North Waziristan comes a week after an insurgent attack on Pakistan's main airport in Karachi which left dozens dead and marked the end of a troubled peace process.
The Pakistani military announced the offensive on Sunday, saying it would wage "a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in the region".
But in a statement on Monday, Taliban spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid told foreign companies to leave.
"We warn all foreign investors, airlines and multinational corporations that they should immediately suspend their ongoing matters with Pakistan and prepare to leave Pakistan, otherwise they will be responsible for their own loss."
The Islamist group also vowed to take revenge on the government.
"We hold Nawaz Sharif's government and the Punjabi establishment responsible for the loss of tribal Muslims' life and property as a result of this operation," the statement said. "The retaliatory actions of the Mujahedeen will make you a cautionary tale in history."
Shahidullah Shahid added that the Taliban would "burn your palaces in Islamabad and Lahore" referring to the capital city and his hometown, from where he derives his support base.
"Remember that you will once again crave for negotiations and peace, but then it would be too late."