Pakistan issues demarche to Kabul over use of Afghan soil in Bajaur attack

Islamabad: The Foreign Office summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission on Wednesday afternoon and delivered a strong demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime on the terrorist attack in Bajaur on February 16 in which 11 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.

“Pakistan condemned in the strongest possible terms the vehicle-borne suicide terrorist attack followed by a fire raid on Pakistan Military and Law Enforcement Agencies’ post in Bajaur carried out by Fitna al Khwarij / TTP,” a press release issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson on Thursday said.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies successfully neutralised 12 terrorists during a “foiled” attack on a joint check post in Bajaur district on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The military’s media wing said the assault was carried out by Fitna al-Khwarij, an Indian-sponsored proxy. Despite the swift and decisive response from vigilant troops, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. The resulting blast caused the collapse of the check post infrastructure, leading to the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.

The foreign ministry conveyed serious concern that FAK/TTP, whose entire leadership is based in Afghanistan, operates with impunity from Afghan soil.

It was reemphasised that Pakistan has repeatedly received assurances from the Afghan Taliban regime, but, regrettably, with no visible or concrete actions.

The Afghan Taliban regime has been told to take immediate, concrete and verifiable measures against all terror groups operating from its territory, including their leadership, the FO spokesperson added.

The spokesperson said that the Afghan Taliban regime has also been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond and eliminate any Khwarij belonging to FAK group along with their affiliates, wherever they are located to ensure safety of its soldiers, civilians and territorial boundaries.