Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Afghan Taliban’s deputy head of mission in Islamabad and delivered a formal demarche protesting a cross‑border terrorist attack that killed 11 Pakistani soldiers and seriously wounded others in Bajaur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
In its statement, Islamabad condemned the February 16 assault in the strongest terms, describing it as a vehicle‑borne suicide attack followed by armed militants’ raid on a joint post of military and law enforcement agencies. Pakistan holds groups it labels Fitna al‑Khawarij / TTP responsible for the carnage.
The Foreign Office expressed serious concern that the militant group’s leadership and fighters are operating with impunity from Afghan territory, and noted that repeated assurances from the Afghan Taliban government have not translated into effective action on the ground. Islamabad called on Kabul to take immediate, concrete and verifiable measures against all terror groups based in Afghanistan, including dismantling their leadership and safe havens.
Pakistan also warned that it reserves the right to respond as necessary to defend its soldiers, civilians, and territorial integrity if cross‑border terrorist threats persist.
The protest comes amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, tied to a series of cross‑border incursions, militant activity and previous diplomatic disagreements over border security
Andrabi expressed disappointment over India’s repeated obstruction in SAARC but expressed hope to work with Bangladesh for the revival of the organization. He noted that SAARC was originally established on the proposal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaled Rahman.
The spokesperson also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s role in preventing Afghan territory from being used against Pakistan, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security frameworks.
However, Andrabi clarified that Pakistan cannot confirm structured dialogues such as those held in Doha and Istanbul with Afghanistan at this time.
In a separate development, he stated that Pakistan had joined the Gaza Board of Peace with sincerity, emphasizing the country’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives for Palestinians in Gaza.
