ISLAMABAD / KABUL — Diplomatic and security friction between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration has intensified sharply in the wake of a devastating bombing at a mosque within the Kohat Police Lines. The attack, which claimed dozens of lives among security personnel and civilians gathered for Friday prayers, has triggered severe recriminations over cross-border militant sanctuaries.
Islamabad demands action, rejects deflection
Reacting to the tragedy, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a strong rebuke, asserting that the assault was engineered by terrorist elements operating with safe havens inside Afghanistan. Islamabad criticized Kabul’s official response—noting that while the Afghan Foreign Ministry issued a condemnation of the violence, it conspicuously omitted any reference to terrorism or concrete steps against perpetrators.
Pakistani authorities emphasized that diplomatic engagement can no longer serve as a shield for groups threatening regional stability. Emphasizing its security imperatives, the government stated that Pakistan possesses the capability to eliminate terror threats wherever they manifest and will take all necessary measures under international law to protect its borders and citizens.
The war of words over regional security
The exchange deteriorated further following statements attributed to senior Taliban figures regarding potential counterterrorism operations. Pakistani officials labeled warnings of “retaliatory action” from Kabul as both untenable and reprehensible, arguing that the Taliban leadership must dismantle the cross-border logistical and recruitment networks actively supporting anti-Pakistan factions rather than deflecting blame.
Regional security analysts note that the latest escalation underscores the deepening paralysis in bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, leaving border communities vulnerable as diplomatic channels strain under the weight of mounting