The Government of Pakistan has formally conveyed its strong protest to the Afghan Taliban regime over the deadly terrorist attack in Bajaur on 16th February 2026, which claimed the lives of 11 Pakistani soldiers. The Afghan Deputy Head of Mission was summoned by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Wednesday afternoon, and a formal demarche was delivered expressing serious concern over the activities of terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan emphasized that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose entire leadership resides in Afghanistan, continues to operate with impunity, planning and directing attacks against Pakistani military and civilian targets.
The statement highlighted that the Afghan Taliban regime has been instructed to take immediate, concrete, and verifiable measures against all terror groups operating from its territory, including dismantling leadership networks and curbing cross-border militant activities.
“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 statement read.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office underscored that the Bajaur attack represents a continued threat to regional stability, as these networks exploit safe havens in Afghanistan to plan, coordinate, and execute violent acts against Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stressed that accountability measures must be immediate, verifiable, and sustained to prevent further loss of life and to ensure border security.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and protecting its citizens and armed forces. Pakistan also emphasized the importance of Afghan authorities fulfilling their obligations under international law to prevent the use of Afghan territory as a base for cross-border terrorism.
The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan remains open to constructive engagement and dialogue with Afghanistan to address security challenges but warned that failure to take decisive action will leave Pakistan with no option but to exercise its right to self-defense.
