Pakistan issues demarche to Afghanistan over terror attack in Bajaur

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Foreign Office (FO) summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission on Wednesday to deliver a stern demarche regarding the terrorist attack in Bajaur on February 16, 2026, which claimed the lives of 11 Pakistani soldiers.

“Pakistan condemned in the strongest possible terms the vehicle borne suicide terrorist attack followed by a fire raid on Pakistan Military and Law Enforcement Agencies’ post in Bajaur carried out by Fitna al Khwarij / TTP,” said a press release issued by the FO on Thursday.

The ministry expressed serious concern over the fact that FAK/TTP, whose entire leadership is based in Afghanistan, continues to operate with impunity from Afghan soil.

It was stressed that Pakistan has repeatedly received assurances from the Afghan Taliban regime, but, regrettably, these have not resulted in any visible or concrete actions.

The Afghan Taliban regime was instructed to take immediate, concrete, and verifiable measures against all terror groups active from its territory, including their leadership, the FO statement added.

“The Afghan Taliban regime has been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond and eliminate any Khwarij belonging to the FAK group along with their affiliates, wherever they are located, to ensure the safety of its soldiers, civilians, and territorial boundaries,” the FO statement said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 11 security personnel were martyred in a terrorist attack on a checkpost in Bajaur.

The attack was carried out using a vehicle packed with explosives while in retaliation the security forces launched a swift and targeted operation, managing to eliminate 12 khawarij while pursuing those who attempted to flee.