Islamabad and Kabul escalated their verbal dispute on Thursday, as Pakistan’s Foreign Office refuted Afghanistan’s claim that Da’ish operates from Pakistan.
On Monday, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Major General Ahmed Sharif, criticized the Taliban government for not curbing cross-border terrorist activities by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
He also confirmed that the March 26 attack on Chinese engineers in Besham was linked to Afghanistan.
In response, Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry accused Islamabad of supporting Daesh.
At a press briefing, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized evidence linking recent terrorist activities to Afghanistan.
“ISPR’s statement clearly stated our evidence of Afghan involvement in attacks within Pakistan,” she said.
“We have also traced the Besham attack back to terrorists based in Afghanistan. The suicide bombing was planned and controlled from across the border,” she detailed.
She highlighted Pakistan’s expectation for Afghan action against these terrorists, stating effective measures would show there are no terrorist sanctuaries within Afghanistan.
“Pakistan will present evidence to Afghanistan once we gather comprehensive intelligence,” she noted.
She mentioned multiple communication channels between the two countries, urging Afghanistan to act against the TTP and other terror groups.
However, she dismissed Afghan claims about Da’ish as “unwarranted and irresponsible.”
“Instead of issuing such statements, Afghanistan should act against all terror groups within its borders,” she insisted.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained due to the Taliban’s inaction against the TTP.
Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s seizure of the Rafah border crossing, criticizing their disregard for international norms.
“The actions of Israeli forces show a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, continuing a policy of genocide in Gaza,” she stated.
She accused Israeli forces of bombing and humiliating Gazans, pushing them from their last refuge.
“These acts of war and humanity must cease. We urge the international community to intervene and enforce international humanitarian law, holding the occupation forces accountable,” she concluded.
