Pakistan Lodges Strong Protest with Afghanistan Over Bannu Attack, Warns of ‘Decisive Response’

Islamabad: Pakistan has issued a strong diplomatic protest to Afghanistan following a deadly terrorist attack on a police checkpoint in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which claimed the lives of 15 police personnel.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad was summoned and handed an official protest note regarding the attack. Pakistani authorities conveyed serious concerns, stating that the attack had links to elements operating from Afghan territory.
In a firm statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan would not compromise on its national security or the protection of its citizens.
The attack took place late Saturday night when terrorists targeted the Fateh Khel police checkpoint in Bannu. According to police sources, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the checkpoint, triggering a massive explosion that completely destroyed the building.
The powerful blast killed 15 police officers and injured three others. Authorities said the explosion was so intense that it was heard from far-off areas.
Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take immediate and effective action against terrorist groups allegedly operating from within Afghanistan. The Foreign Office emphasized that the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan is unacceptable.
Officials also warned that Pakistan reserves the right to respond decisively against terrorists and their safe havens, stressing that the country will not remain silent in the face of cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan reiterated its stance that lasting peace in the region depends on preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against neighboring countries and dismantling militant networks involved in cross-border activities.