ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has issued a stern demarche to Afghanistan following a vehicle-borne IED attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District, which resulted in the deaths of 15 police constables. The Afghan Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and warned that Pakistan reserves the right to respond decisively against the perpetrators believed to be operating from Afghan soil.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its concerns to the Afghan representative, emphasizing that evidence and technical intelligence pointed to terrorists residing in Afghanistan as the masterminds behind the attack. The incident, carried out by the Fitna-al-Khawarij group, also left four individuals injured, including a civilian.

The Ministry reiterated Pakistan’s dissatisfaction with the use of Afghan territory for attacks against its citizens and highlighted that various terrorist organizations continue to find refuge in Afghanistan. Reports by the UN Monitoring Team and other international bodies have documented this ongoing issue.

Pakistan has urged the Afghan Taliban to take concrete steps against terrorist groups operating from within its borders, including Fitna-al-Khawarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, and ISKP/Daesh. Despite engaging in talks mediated by friendly countries, the Afghan Taliban have yet to demonstrate meaningful action against these groups.

The Afghan authorities have been clearly informed that harboring these organizations will not be tolerated, with Pakistan prioritizing its national security and the safety of its citizens above all.