Islamabad — In a strongly worded statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed grave concern over what it termed as “unprovoked aggression” from the Afghan side of the border during the night of October 11–12. The attacks, reportedly carried out by elements linked to the Afghan Taliban along with regional extremist factions, were described as deliberate attempts to destabilize the Pak-Afghan border.
“Any future provocation will be met with a firm and effective response,” the Foreign Office said, emphasizing Pakistan’s right to self-defense. It further called on the Afghan interim government to ensure its territory is not used for staging terrorist activities against neighboring countries.
The statement revealed that Pakistani forces repelled multiple cross-border assaults and inflicted significant losses in terms of manpower and infrastructure on the attackers. These facilities, according to Islamabad, were being used to plan and support terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
Highlighting restraint and responsibility, the Foreign Office noted that Pakistan took “all necessary precautions” to avoid civilian casualties or collateral damage during its defensive operations.
Despite the tensions, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive relations with Afghanistan based on mutual respect. However, the country remains vigilant and prepared to defend its citizens and territory against any external threat.
Pakistan also rejected recent statements made by Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister during a visit to India, calling them an attempt to deflect attention from the presence of terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil — a fact, Pakistan noted, that has been repeatedly documented in United Nations reports.
“Fighting terrorism is a shared goal,” the statement said, urging the Taliban administration to fulfill its responsibilities and take credible action against terrorist groups operating within its borders.
The Foreign Office further pointed out that Pakistan has long voiced concerns over the presence of extremist factions operating freely in Afghanistan. Islamabad expects the Taliban leadership to take verifiable and firm steps to address these threats.
Pakistan also reminded the international community of the decades-long hospitality extended to nearly four million Afghan refugees. It affirmed that going forward, the presence of Afghan nationals within Pakistan will be managed in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles.
In conclusion, Pakistan reaffirmed its desire for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan — one that is regionally integrated and governed by a truly representative leadership. “We remain hopeful that one day, the Afghan people will live in freedom under a government of their own choosing,” the statement concluded.
