ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday said it had summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and issued a “strong demarche” over the terrorist attack in Bannu that martyred 15 police personnel.
According to the FO, the Afghan diplomat was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey Pakistan’s serious concerns over the May 9 attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.
The statement said the assault, carried out using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED), was claimed to have been executed by militants linked to “Fitna al Khawarij”.
“The ministry conveyed that a detailed investigation into the incident, along with evidence collected and technical intelligence, indicates that the attack was masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan,” the FO said.
Pakistan expressed grave concern over what it described as the continued use of Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism, and warned that it reserves the right to respond to those responsible.
It also noted that the presence of multiple militant groups in Afghanistan and the permissive environment for their activities had been documented in United Nations and other international reports.
“The fight against terrorism is a common cause, and the Afghan Taliban must honour their commitment not to allow their territory to be used for terrorism against other countries,” the FO stated.
Pakistan reiterated its previous calls urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to take “concrete and verifiable action” against groups including Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan, and ISKP/Daesh operating from Afghan soil.
The FO further said Pakistan had engaged the Afghan side through multiple rounds of talks facilitated by friendly countries, but claimed that Kabul had failed to deliver meaningful action against these groups.
It warned that continued tolerance of such militant organisations would have consequences.
“The Afghan Taliban regime has also been categorically informed that, if it continues to harbour these terrorist organisations, Pakistan will not compromise on its national security or on the safety and protection of its citizens,” the statement added.
