Police officers stand guard outside the main gate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Photo: File
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday summoned Afghanistan’s deputy chief of mission to take firm action following the February 16 attack in Bajaur that killed 11 Pakistani soldiers.
The assault involved a suicide car bomb attack followed by firing on a Pakistani armed forces and law enforcement post. Authorities attributed the attack to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which Pakistani officials call Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK).
Pakistan condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and said such incidents had serious implications for regional security.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the continued operations of the TTP, whose leaders reside in Afghanistan and operate with impunity from Afghan soil.
The ministry said Pakistan had received multiple assurances from the Afghan Taliban, but “no significant or tangible steps” had been taken to curb these activities.
Also read: Pakistan ‘won’t hesitate’ to carry out more airstrikes in Afghanistan, says Khawaja Asif
Islamabad has told Afghanistan’s interim government that it must take “immediate, concrete and verifiable measures” against all terrorist groups operating from its territory, including their leaders. He also warned that Pakistan reserves the right to act against FAK-linked elements and their enablers “wherever they are” to ensure the security of its soldiers, civilians and territorial integrity.
The Bajaur incident has further strained relations between the two countries, with Pakistan stressing that Afghan authorities must take responsibility for groups operating from their soil.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan would not hesitate to carry out more airstrikes in Afghanistan if no action was taken by Kabul against terrorists on its soil to ensure peace.
The federal government has consistently raised its voice at international forums against terrorist sanctuaries operating in Afghanistan and using its soil to launch attacks against Pakistan – a development attested by the United Nations Security Council.
