Pakistan’s urges Afghan govt to take action against DI Khan attack perpetrators
FO spokesperson categorically denied reports of Pakistan engaging in dialogue with the TTP.
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) has issued a strong call to the interim Afghan government, urging them to take decisive action against the perpetrators of the December 12 attack on security forces in Dera Ismail Khan and hand them over to Pakistan. In response to the deadliest assault on Pakistani security forces this year, which claimed the lives of at least 23 soldiers, the FO emphasized the need for Afghanistan to conduct a thorough investigation and deliver justice.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that a group of six militants attempted to storm a security post, but their efforts were thwarted. Subsequent blasts occurred as the militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate, followed by a suicide bombing, resulting in numerous casualties.
The Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a new group affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security officials disputed the authenticity of a video released by TJP, purportedly showing militants using thermal scopes.
Following the attack, the FO promptly released a statement, demanding immediate and verifiable actions from the Afghan government against militant outfits involved in terrorism within Pakistan. A demarche was issued to Afghan Charge d’Affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakib.
In response to the demarche, the Afghan interim government pledged to investigate the terror attack but also urged Islamabad to avoid laying blame on Kabul for every issue. Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban chief spokesperson, expressed shock at the attack and assured that Afghanistan would investigate any information received. He urged Pakistan to enhance its security measures rather than pointing fingers.
FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahrah Baloch, in a weekly press briefing, emphasized the importance of Afghanistan taking strong action against the attackers and handing over TTP leadership present in Afghanistan. Pakistan expects the Afghan government to implement concrete and verifiable measures to prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorist entities.
Baloch welcomed the messages of sympathy and condolences from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and highlighted TTP’s listing by the UNSC to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. UNSC members stressed the necessity of bringing the perpetrators, financiers, and organizers of the attack to justice, urging active cooperation from all states.
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Responding to queries, the FO spokesperson categorically denied reports of Pakistan engaging in dialogue with the TTP, refuting any talks held in a third country.
