ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission and issued a strong demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime following the February 16, 2026 terrorist attack in Bajaur that resulted in the deaths of 11 Pakistani soldiers.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office condemned the vehicle-borne suicide attack and subsequent assault on a joint Pakistan Military and law enforcement check post in Bajaur. The attack was attributed to Fitna al Khwarij, also referred to as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which authorities say operates from Afghan territory.
The Foreign Office expressed serious concern that the group’s leadership is based in Afghanistan and continues to function without restraint. It stated that although Pakistan has repeatedly received assurances from the Afghan Taliban authorities, no concrete or visible action has been taken against the TTP.
Pakistan urged the Afghan administration to take immediate, verifiable and effective measures against all terrorist groups operating from its soil, including their leadership and networks.
The statement further emphasized that Pakistan has clearly informed the Afghan side that it reserves the right to respond and take action against members of the group and its affiliates wherever they may be located, in order to safeguard its security forces, civilians and territorial integrity.
Earlier, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that 12 militants linked to Fitna Al-Khwarij were killed during the attack on a joint security check post in Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to ISPR, the attackers attempted to breach the post’s security but were met with a swift and decisive response from security personnel. Troops engaged the assailants and eliminated 12 of them during the exchange.
However, in what officials described as a desperate act, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the check post. The powerful blast caused part of the structure to collapse, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to countert
