ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern over an unprovoked attack from the Afghan side, calling it a violation of peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation. The Foreign Office (FO) said the assault, launched by the Afghan Taliban and affiliated groups, took place along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on the night of October 11–12.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace but stressed that the country reserves the right to defend its sovereignty.
“We also hope that one day, the Afghan people would be emancipated and governed by a genuinely representative leadership,” the Foreign Office said, expressing solidarity with the Afghan population.
Pakistan Condemns Aggression from Afghan Territory
According to the FO, the cross-border aggression “belies the spirit of a peaceful neighbourhood and cooperation.” Pakistan described the attack as a coordinated offensive by the Afghan Taliban, Fitna al-Khawarij, and Fitna al-Hindustan — groups that Islamabad has long accused of operating from Afghan soil with support from hostile elements.
Pakistan’s armed forces responded by exercising their right to self-defence, repelling the assault and inflicting “heavy losses” on militants in terms of manpower, weaponry, and infrastructure used to plan attacks inside Pakistan.
The FO emphasized that all possible measures were taken to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage, underscoring the country’s responsible approach even amid provocation.
Islamabad Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue and Peace
Despite the escalation, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, stating that it continues to closely monitor the situation. The FO warned, however, that any future provocations will be met with a “befitting and unwavering response.”
Islamabad also rejected recent remarks made by Afghanistan’s interim foreign minister during his visit to India, calling them an attempt to divert international attention from the presence of terrorist networks operating inside Afghanistan.
“The Taliban regime cannot absolve itself of its responsibility for regional peace and stability,” the statement read, adding that UN Monitoring Team reports have repeatedly confirmed the existence of these militant groups on Afghan soil.
Pakistan Urges Taliban to Take Concrete Action Against Terrorism
The FO reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing concerns about the activities of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, urging the Taliban administration to take verifiable action against these entities.
Highlighting its decades-long humanitarian support, Pakistan reminded the world that it had hosted nearly four million Afghan refugees for over 40 years. However, Islamabad emphasized that it now plans to regulate the presence of Afghan nationals according to international laws and norms.
“Pakistan desires a peaceful, regionally connected, and prosperous Afghanistan,” the statement added, “but the Taliban must act responsibly and fulfill their commitments to eliminate terrorism from their soil.”
Over 200 Afghan Militants Killed in Pakistan’s Defensive Response
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s security forces killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorists during the border skirmishes. The military’s media wing confirmed that precision strikes and physical raids were carried out against Taliban camps, posts, and training facilities operating within Afghan territory.
These operations targeted terrorist support networks believed to be planning and facilitating attacks against Pakistan, ensuring the nation’s security and sovereignty remain intact.
