The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the Taliban’s deputy head of mission at the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad and handed over a formal protest following a Feb. 16 attack in Bajaur that killed 11 Pakistani soldiers.
Pakistani newspaper The Express Tribune reported Thursday that the attack involved a suicide car bombing followed by gunfire targeting a Pakistani security forces checkpoint. Pakistani authorities attributed the assault to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, its spokesperson expressed “deep concern” over the continued activities of the TTP, alleging that the group’s leadership is present in Afghanistan and operates from Afghan territory without hindrance.
The ministry said that despite repeated assurances from the Taliban, no tangible and verifiable action has been taken to curb the group’s activities.
Islamabad urged the Taliban to take immediate, concrete and verifiable steps against all militant groups based in Afghanistan, including their leadership. The ministry also stated that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to safeguard its citizens and territorial integrity.
The development has further heightened tensions between the two sides.
Pakistani officials have maintained that responsibility for the activities of armed groups operating from Afghan territory lies with the Taliban authorities.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, warned that if the Taliban fail to act against militant groups, Islamabad would not refrain from conducting further strikes inside Afghanistan.
The Taliban have consistently rejected Pakistan’s allegations regarding the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan and deny providing them support.
