Pakistan Summons Afghan Deputy Head of Mission Over Deadly Bajaur Attack, Urges Action Against TTP

Islamabad – 19 February 2026- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan summoned the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission on Wednesday afternoon to deliver a formal demarche regarding the deadly terrorist attack in Bajaur on 16 February 2026, in which 11 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives. The move underscores Islamabad’s deep concern over cross-border militancy and the continued operations of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghan soil.

During the meeting, Pakistani officials expressed serious alarm that the TTP leadership, entirely based in Afghanistan, continues to plan and execute attacks against Pakistan with impunity. The Ministry emphasized that such acts not only threaten the lives of Pakistani citizens and security personnel but also undermine regional peace and stability. Islamabad called on the Afghan authorities to take immediate and tangible measures to prevent the use of their territory as a safe haven for militants targeting Pakistan.

The demarche highlighted Islamabad’s expectation of concrete action, including the dismantling of militant networks operating across the border, strengthening surveillance of known terrorist hideouts, and cooperation with Pakistan in intelligence sharing to prevent further loss of life. Pakistani officials reiterated that the persistence of such attacks, if left unaddressed, risks escalating tensions and destabilizing the broader region.

The Foreign Office also conveyed that Pakistan values peaceful and constructive relations with Afghanistan and remains committed to dialogue. However, it stressed that sovereignty and the protection of civilians and security forces cannot be compromised. Pakistani authorities warned that continued inaction by Afghan authorities regarding the TTP could compel Islamabad to take additional defensive measures to safeguard national security.

Observers note that the Bajaur attack is part of a disturbing pattern of cross-border militancy that threatens both local communities and national institutions in Pakistan. Analysts emphasize that sustained diplomatic engagement, coupled with coordinated security measures, is essential to ensure that Afghanistan does not serve as a base for transnational terrorist activity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded the meeting by urging the Afghan Taliban regime to demonstrate political will and accountability, stressing that meaningful action is the only way to restore trust and prevent further tragic incidents along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

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