rki.news | Source: Dawn News
Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Monday rejected Afghan Taliban allegations of civilian casualties during counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan, saying its actions were restrained and proportionate.
In a statement, the FO described the allegations as “baseless and unsubstantiated,” maintaining that Pakistani operations targeted terrorist groups and logistical support bases.
The statement accused the Afghan Taliban administration of allowing militant organisations, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), to operate from Afghan territory. It said attacks originating from Afghanistan had caused more than 3,500 casualties in Pakistan in 2026.
The FO said Pakistan’s actions were undertaken in self-defence, following the principles of necessity, distinction and precaution. It added that no responsible state could remain passive when its civilians and security personnel were repeatedly targeted.
Pakistan called on the international community to hold the Afghan Taliban accountable for meeting international obligations and preventing Afghan soil from being used to plan attacks against neighbouring countries.
The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and citizens.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained over Islamabad’s allegations of cross-border militancy. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Kabul to dismantle militant sanctuaries, particularly those linked to the banned TTP.
The Afghan Taliban have alleged civilian casualties from Pakistani strikes, while Islamabad maintains that its operations target militant infrastructure.
Pakistan Rejects Afghan Taliban Claims Over Civilian Casualties
