Pakistan issues stern warning to Afghan Taliban over Bajaur attack

WEB DESK: In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Bajaur on February 16, which claimed the lives of 11 Pakistani soldiers, the Foreign Office summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission on Wednesday to deliver a formal and forceful demarche.

According to APP, a statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson on Thursday set out Pakistan’s official position. The ministry strongly condemned the coordinated suicide bombing and subsequent gunfire targeting military and law enforcement posts, holding Fitna al Khwarij (FAK/TTP) responsible for the tragic loss of life.

It expressed grave concern that the leadership of FAK continues to operate with impunity from Afghan territory, highlighting that the group’s entire command structure remains based on Afghan soil. Despite repeated assurances from the Afghan Taliban regime, Pakistan emphasised that no tangible or effective measures have been implemented to curb cross-border terrorism.

Consequently, the Afghan authorities were instructed to take immediate, transparent, and verifiable action against all terrorist organisations and their leadership.

Furthermore, the spokesperson underlined that Pakistan has formally informed the Afghan Taliban regime of its right to act unilaterally. To safeguard its soldiers, civilians, and territorial integrity, Pakistan reserves the authority to target and eliminate FAK militants and their associates wherever they may be located, irrespective of international borders.