Bannu: A police station in Fateh Khel, Bannu, came under a terrorist attack carried out by militants linked to the Gul Bahadur group, which is associated with the so called Fitna al Khawarij network.
According to officials, there are strong indications that the group operates from safe locations inside Afghanistan. It is also claimed that these networks receive support and facilitation from certain elements across the border. As a result, authorities describe the incident as a planned attack with external backing rather than a random act of violence.
In addition, officials say the attack comes after recent security successes by Pakistan under ongoing counterterrorism operations. They suggest that militant groups and their networks are reacting under pressure and attempting to destabilize the country through coordinated attacks.
Meanwhile, senior military leadership has stated in earlier remarks that hostile actors, after facing setbacks in direct conflict, are now allegedly using militant groups based in Afghanistan to create instability inside Pakistan. According to this view, these actions are part of a wider pattern of proxy conflict in the region.
Following the attack, Pakistan summoned the Afghan charge d’affaires to the Foreign Office and lodged a strong diplomatic protest. Authorities conveyed a clear message that Afghan territory should not be used for any form of militancy against Pakistan. They also stated that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary steps to protect its security and citizens.
At the same time, strong public reaction was seen in Bannu. Local residents widely condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the security forces. Many people said that such groups are working against peace and are trying to spread unrest under external influence.
Furthermore, officials reiterated that groups involved in such violence follow extremist thinking and mislead vulnerable individuals into carrying out suicide and other attacks. They said these actions are widely rejected on moral, social, and religious grounds.
In conclusion, Pakistan has reaffirmed that its fight against terrorism will continue with full resolve. Authorities emphasized that the unity of the state, security forces, and the public remains strong in the face of all internal and external threats.
