Terror Groups Operating from Afghan Soil Behind Attacks on Pakistan: Foreign Office

Islamabad —
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson has stated that terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory are directly involved in carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Addressing the weekly press briefing on Thursday, the spokesperson said that following the terrorist attacks in Bajaur and Bannu, Pakistan’s security forces had focused their operations specifically on eliminating terrorist hideouts responsible for the attacks. He assured that the security forces remain fully alert and capable of countering all forms of threats to the country.
The spokesperson described threatening statements emanating from Afghanistan as “deeply disappointing,” calling on Kabul to refrain from rhetoric that undermines bilateral relations. He further demanded that all Pakistani nationals residing in Afghanistan be provided with complete safety and protection.
On the issue of India, the spokesperson raised two key concerns. He demanded that the perpetrators behind the 2007 Samjhauta Express tragedy — in which scores of Pakistani passengers were killed — be brought to justice without further delay. He also called for India to be held accountable for serious human rights violations taking place on its soil.
Pakistan has in recent months repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government to take decisive action against militant groups using Afghan territory to launch cross-border attacks, particularly against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad holds responsible for a surge in terrorist incidents across the country.