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Pakistan summons Afghan envoy, warns of action inside Afghanistan after Bajaur attack as violence surges

By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission in Islamabad and delivered a strong demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime following the February 16, suicide attack in Bajaur that left 11 Pakistani soldiers martyred.

In a statement issued to the media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said the vehicle-borne suicide bombing was followed by a fire raid on a Pakistan military and law enforcement post in Bajaur.

Islamabad condemned the assault “in the strongest possible terms,” attributing it to Fitna al Khwarij / Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (FAK/TTP).

The Foreign Office conveyed “serious concern” that the entire leadership of FAK/TTP is based in Afghanistan and continues to operate with impunity from Afghan soil.

It noted that Pakistan has repeatedly received assurances from the Afghan Taliban authorities but regretted that there have been no “visible or concrete actions” against the group.

The Afghan Taliban regime was urged to take “immediate, concrete and verifiable measures” against all terrorist groups operating from its territory, including their leadership.

Pakistan also categorically informed Kabul that it reserves the right to respond and eliminate any Khwarij belonging to TTP and their affiliates, wherever they are located, to ensure the safety of its soldiers, civilians and territorial boundaries.

The demarche comes amid a sharp escalation in violence over the past three days, during which at least 18 militants were killed in security operations, while 16 police and security personnel lost their lives in various attacks.