Pakistan condemns Taliban aggression along Pak-Afghan border, vows befitting response to any provocation

Pakistan has expressed deep concern over what it termed “unwarranted aggression” by the Afghan Taliban, “Fitna-e-Khawarij,” and “Fitna-e-Hindustan” along the Pak-Afghan border on the night of October 11–12, 2025, warning that any further provocations would be met with an unwavering and befitting response.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan said that the unprovoked cross-border attacks were aimed at destabilising the region and violated the spirit of peaceful neighbourhood and brotherly relations between the two countries.

“Pakistan, exercising its right of self-defence, not only effectively repulsed the assaults all along the border but also inflicted heavy losses on Taliban forces and affiliated Khwarij elements in terms of men, material, and infrastructure,” the spokesperson said. He added that these infrastructures were being used to plan and facilitate terrorist attacks against Pakistan, and that the country’s response was targeted and precise, ensuring the protection of civilians and avoiding collateral damage.

Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue, Khan said Pakistan values a mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship with Afghanistan but will “take all possible measures to safeguard its territory and the lives of its people.”

The Foreign Office also rejected assertions made by the Afghan Interim Foreign Minister in India, calling them baseless attempts to divert attention from the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan. “By making these unfounded claims, the Taliban regime cannot absolve itself of its responsibilities toward regional peace and stability,” the statement said, referring to UN reports that document the continued presence and freedom of activity of terrorist groups on Afghan soil.

“The fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility,” the spokesperson emphasised. “Instead of shifting blame, the Taliban regime should fulfil its commitment not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism against any country.”

Khan reiterated that Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed its concerns over the activities of “Fitna-e-Khawarij” and “Fitna-e-Hindustan” operating from Afghan territory, urging Kabul to take concrete and verifiable action against these elements.

The statement also noted Pakistan’s decades-long humanitarian role, saying the country has hosted around four million Afghans for more than forty years in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and humanity, and will continue to regulate their presence according to international norms and laws.

“Pakistan desires a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan,” the spokesperson concluded, expressing hope that the Taliban would act responsibly and uphold its commitments. “We hope the Afghan people will one day be emancipated and governed by a truly representative government.”