Pakistan Protests to Afghanistan Over Deadly Bannu Cantonment Attack

Pakistan lodged a strong protest with Afghanistan over a deadly terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, demanding decisive action against militants. The attack killed eight soldiers and was conducted by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group. Pakistan urged Afghanistan to investigate and prevent such incidents in the future.

Pakistan on Wednesday lodged a stern protest with the Afghan interim government following a deadly terrorist attack at a significant military cantonment, reiterating its demand for 'decisive action' against militants harbored in the neighboring nation. The attack on the Bannu Cantonment in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday resulted in the deaths of eight soldiers and left several others injured. Security forces neutralized all 10 terrorists involved.

The attackers' initial attempt was unsuccessful, forcing them to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the cantonment's perimeter wall, which led to significant damage and the collapse of a portion of the wall.

The Afghan embassy's Deputy Head of Mission, Sardar Muhammad Shakib, was summoned to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally receive Pakistan's strong protest, the Foreign Office stated.

'The Bannu Cantonment attack highlights the serious threat terrorism poses to regional peace and security,' the statement said. 'Pakistan calls for decisive action against terrorism and remains committed to combating this menace to protect its security.'

Pakistan identified the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, based in Afghanistan, as the perpetrators, along with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), accusing them of numerous attacks resulting in civilian and law enforcement casualties within Pakistan.

Pakistan urged Afghanistan's interim government to investigate thoroughly and take prompt and efficient action against the attackers, preventing future assaults from Afghan territory. Such incidents, it noted, undermine bilateral relations between the 'brotherly countries.'

Reiterating its concerns about terror outfits' presence in Afghanistan, Pakistan stated it had consistently raised these issues with Kabul, urging the Afghan authorities to prevent terrorists from using Afghan soil for attacks. However, despite these efforts, Kabul denies the existence of terrorists on its soil.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the end of a ceasefire with the TTP in November 2022.

Last week, Islamabad upheld its stance against negotiating with the TTP and called for Afghan action against cross-border terrorism. Despite a notable decline in violence and casualties in the second quarter of 2024, as reported by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, with a 12 per cent reduction in overall violence, regions like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continue to be the most affected by terrorist activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)