ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on civilians and police officials during Friday prayers at the Kohat Police Lines. It has also urged the Afghan Taliban to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
The attack targeted a mosque inside the Kohat Police Lines on Friday. The latest reports said at least 23 people were killed and more than 100 were injured, while eight attackers were killed during a subsequent clearance operation.
Among those killed were police officials and civilians. Dr Israel Khan Orakzai, a senior doctor at a Kohat hospital, was also among the victims.
In a statement, the Ministry of Information condemned the attack and said the perpetrators had links to Afghanistan.
The ministry said terrorism has no religion or justification. It also criticised those who facilitate or shelter terrorist groups.
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Afghan Sanctuaries
The ministry said Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns with the Afghan Taliban over the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
“The presence of terrorist sanctuaries, alongside their recruitment and support infrastructure in Afghanistan, poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s security,” the statement said.
Pakistan urged the Afghan Taliban to dismantle terrorist networks instead of deflecting responsibility.
The ministry also criticised Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid for threatening Pakistan with a “crushing response.”
It said the Afghan Taliban should address what Pakistan described as the terrorist ecosystem operating under its control.
Islamabad Demands Concrete Action
Pakistan said it had taken note of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ condemnation of the Kohat attack and its expression of sympathy for the victims’ families.
However, Islamabad said condemnation must be followed by concrete measures.
The ministry called on the Afghan Taliban to take “credible, verifiable and sustained measures” to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and disrupt recruitment and training networks.
It also urged Kabul to prevent terrorist groups from planning, facilitating or launching attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan Says Dialogue Remains Open
The ministry said Pakistan has consistently pursued dialogue and constructive engagement with the Afghan Taliban.
However, it stressed that dialogue should not be used to shield groups responsible for attacks against Pakistan.
“Pakistan has both the will and the capability to eliminate terrorist threats wherever they are,” the spokesperson said.
The ministry added that Pakistan would take necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to protect its citizens, territory and sovereignty.
Pakistan also warned that the continued presence and activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan could worsen regional instability.
It urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to take decisive and verifiable action against terrorist groups before the threat spreads further across the region.
