Pakistan warns Afghanistan after Kohat attack, says it can eliminate terror threats ‘wherever they are’

Following the deadly Kohat terrorist attack on Saturday, Pakistan issued a stern warning to Afghanistan, asserting it possesses both "the will and capability" to eliminate terror threats "wherever they are." The warning came in the wake of a bomb blast during Friday prayers at Kohat Police Lines, which claimed 21 lives, including 15 police officials.

The Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack. The Ministry of Information condemned the barbaric act, emphasizing that terrorism knows no religion and no justification. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban regime in Kabul to take action against terrorist groups operating from its territory, to no avail.

The ministry stated that the presence of terrorist sanctuaries and support infrastructure in Afghanistan poses a direct threat to Pakistan's security. It reiterated its concerns to the Afghan Taliban regime and its interlocutors, demanding they dismantle these networks. Pakistan warned that continued terrorist activity in Afghanistan will exacerbate instability, with serious regional and global repercussions.

The international community should compel the Afghan Taliban regime to act decisively against terrorism, the ministry urged. Despite the Afghan statement expressing sympathy for the victims, it failed to mention terrorism. Pakistan called for credible, verifiable, and sustained measures from the Taliban to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and prevent attacks.

The ministry criticized Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid for threatening Pakistan with a "crushing response," stating that the Afghan Taliban must address the terrorist ecosystem under their protection instead of deflecting responsibility.