Pakistan warns of decisive response to further provocations by Afghan Taliban: FO

Pakistan has warned that any further provocation by the Afghan Taliban regime or terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil will be met with a “measured, decisive and befitting response,” the Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday.

In a detailed statement, the FO said Pakistan’s recent actions were taken in the exercise of its right to self-defence and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, as well as that of the wider region.

“Any further provocations by the Taliban regime, or attempts by any terrorist group to undermine the security and welfare of the people of Pakistan, will be met with a measured, decisive and befitting response,” the statement said.

The FO said that in response to repeated terrorist attacks by Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan emanating from Afghan territory, as well as what it described as unwarranted and provocative actions by the Taliban regime on the night of February 26, Pakistan’s defence forces carried out precise operations.

According to the statement, the operations inflicted heavy losses on terrorist outfits and targeted their logistical support bases inside Afghanistan.

The FO said Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region and has remained engaged in political and diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing terrorism originating from Afghan soil. However, it added that Pakistan’s goodwill gestures and responsible approach were misconstrued, resulting in increased terrorist attacks, allegedly with the support and backing of the Taliban regime and India.

Reiterating its resolve, Pakistan said it was determined to uproot the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and called upon the Afghan authorities to end what it termed impunity enjoyed by the groups operating from their territory.

The FO also urged the international community to play its role in conveying a clear message to the Taliban regime to fulfil its obligations and take concrete and verifiable action against terrorist outfits.

Pakistan reserves the right to take all appropriate actions in self-defence and to protect its citizens in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, the statement added.