In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan’s foreign ministry summoned the Afghan Taliban’s deputy head of mission on Wednesday. This action was taken to urge the Taliban administration to address the activities of Afghanistan-based militant groups, which Islamabad holds responsible for a recent attack on a military base in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The attack on the Bannu military base occurred on Monday, when militants rammed a vehicle loaded with explosives into the perimeter wall. This tragic incident resulted in the martyrdom of eight Pakistan army soldiers. All ten terrorists involved were killed during an exchange of fire, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which operates out of neighboring Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The issue of cross-border attacks has been a persistent concern for Pakistan. Islamabad has consistently raised this issue with the Taliban administration, highlighting the rising number of incidents. These attacks have escalated tensions between the two neighboring countries, whose security forces have clashed at the border in recent years.
The Taliban, whose spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment, have previously denied allowing Afghan territory to be used by militants for attacks against Pakistan. Despite these denials, Pakistan remains firm in its stance, demanding tangible action from the Taliban to curb the activities of terror outfits based in Afghanistan.
In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign office reiterated its serious concerns over the presence of terrorist organizations within Afghanistan. These groups continue to pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s security. The statement emphasized the need for the Taliban authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the Bannu attack. Moreover, it urged immediate, robust, and effective actions against the perpetrators to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Pakistan has not solely relied on diplomatic channels to address this issue. The country has conducted intelligence-based operations within Afghanistan to target militant groups. These operations, which the Taliban claim included airstrikes in March, underscore Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its national security.
The international community has also been keeping a close eye on the situation. Countries with a vested interest in regional stability have called for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Diplomatic efforts are being made to foster dialogue and find a sustainable solution to the cross-border militant activities.
The recent attack on the Bannu military base highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The involvement of international bodies and neighboring countries could play a crucial role in mediating and facilitating effective measures. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan need to strengthen their security frameworks and enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent future attacks.
