Pakistan Summons Afghan diplomat over deadly Bajaur Security check post attack
FO says TTP leaders in Afghanistan, warns it may act against terrorists anywhere
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission to deliver a strong demarche over theFebruary 16 attack in Bajaur that killed 11 Pakistani soldiers.
A coordinated attack involving a suicide car bomb followed by an armed raid struck a post of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in Bajaur, authorities said on Monday. Pakistani officials have attributed the assault to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to by Islamabad as Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK).
Condemning the attack in the strongest terms, Pakistan warned that such incidents have serious implications for regional security. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed Islamabad’s deep concern over the continued operations of the TTP, whose leadership reportedly resides in Afghanistan and operates with impunity from Afghan soil.
The ministry said that despite multiple assurances from the Afghan Taliban, “no significant or tangible actions” have been taken to curb these activities. Pakistan has urged the Afghan interim government to take “immediate, concrete, and verifiable measures” against all terrorist groups operating from its territory, including their leadership. Officials also emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to act against elements linked to FAK and their facilitators “wherever they may be” to protect soldiers, civilians, and the country’s territorial integrity.
The Bajaur incident has further strained ties between Islamabad and Kabul. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that Pakistan would not hesitate to conduct additional airstrikes in Afghanistan if no measures are taken against terrorists on Afghan soil.
The federal government has repeatedly raised concerns on international forums about terrorist sanctuaries operating in Afghanistan and using its territory to launch attacks against Pakistan, a stance recognized by the United Nations Security Council.
