ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 – Pakistan summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission on Thursday and issued a strong demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime over the February 16, 2026 terrorist attack in Bajaur, which killed 11 Pakistani soldiers. The Foreign Office condemned the vehicle-borne suicide attack and subsequent fire raid on the joint security post by Fitna al Khwarij / TTP, calling it a “cowardly act.”
The ministry expressed serious concern that the FAK/TTP leadership operates freely from Afghan territory despite repeated assurances from the Taliban regime. Islamabad urged Kabul to take immediate, concrete, and verifiable measures against all terror groups based in Afghanistan, including their leadership. Officials also warned that Pakistan reserves the right to act against these elements wherever they are to safeguard its personnel, civilians, and territorial integrity.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said 12 terrorists were killed during the attack on the joint security check post in Bajaur District, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Security personnel displayed “unwavering courage and professional excellence” while engaging fleeing militants. The attackers attempted to breach the post and rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall, causing the collapse of infrastructure and resulting in the deaths of 11 soldiers, who embraced Shahadat.
The ISPR emphasized that the troops’ decisive response thwarted the terrorists’ plans, despite the heavy losses. Officials highlighted that the assailants belonged to Indian proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij, underscoring the ongoing threat from cross-border militant networks. Pakistan continues to stress the need for the Afghan Taliban to act against terrorist sanctuaries to prevent future attacks.
