Pakistan demands Afghan Taliban action against militant networks

The Pakistani government has demanded that the Afghan Taliban administration take concrete and verifiable action to dismantle militant networks operating from Afghan territory. This demand follows a terrorist attack on civilians and police personnel during Friday prayers at the old Kohat Police Lines.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting identified the attackers as Khawarij, alleging they have links to Afghanistan. Islamabad expressed serious concern regarding the existence of militant sanctuaries, recruitment, and support networks within Afghanistan, describing them as a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security.

The ministry rejected recent warnings from Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who reportedly threatened Pakistan with a “crushing response.” Pakistan stated that such remarks are unacceptable and urged Kabul to fulfill its counterterrorism commitments under the Doha Agreement rather than shifting responsibility. While acknowledging the Afghan Foreign Ministry’s condemnation of the Kohat attack, Pakistan emphasized that “verbal sympathy must be converted into concrete and verifiable actions” to address the terrorist ecosystem.