ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has delivered a demarche to the Afghan interim government over a suicide attack that killed 23 Pakistani soldiers in the northwestern Pakistani district of Dera Ismail Khan, the Pakistani Foreign Office said on Tuesday.
The early morning attack took place in Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, where six militants targeted a military post with an explosive-laden vehicle, according to the Pakistani military.
Tuesday’s assault on the Pakistani forces was claimed by a group affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad says has sanctuaries in the neighboring Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s foreign secretary summoned the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign Office in Islamabad and the delivered the demarche to protest the attack.
“The Cd’A of AIG was asked to immediately convey to the Afghan Interim Government to fully investigate and take stern action against perpetrators of the recent attack,” the Pakistani Foreign Office said in a statement.
Islamabad further asked the Afghan government to publicly condemn the incident “at the highest level,” take immediate action against all militant groups, and apprehend and handover to Pakistan the perpetrators of the attack and the TTP leadership in Afghanistan, according to the statement.
“Today’s terrorist attack is yet another reminder of the terrorist threat to peace and stability in the region,” it read.
“We must act resolutely with all our collective might to defeat this menace. On its part, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combat terrorism.”
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in its northwestern and southwestern regions that border Afghanistan since the TTP called off its fragile truce with the government in Islamabad in November 2022.
The attacks prompted Islamabad in October to order expulsion of all illegal foreigners, mostly Afghans, which was followed by a crackdown against illegal residents across the South Asian country.
Hundreds of thousands of Afghans, many of whom had been living in Pakistan for decades, have since left the country.
Pakistan issues demarche to Afghan government over attack killing 23 soldiers
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Pakistan issues demarche to Afghan government over attack killing 23 soldiers
- The assault on Pakistani forces was claimed by a group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban
- Islamabad says the militant group has sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a charge denied by Kabul
US, Pakistan launch joint counterterrorism exercise to boost interoperability, share expertise
- Pakistan, US have maintained multifaceted relations for decades, encompassing security, economic engagement and people-to-people ties
- Both sides have sought to stabilize ties by focusing on areas of mutual interest such as regional stability, trade and counterterrorism
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States (US) launched the 13th edition of their bilateral joint counterterrorism exercise, Inspired Gambit 2026, to boost interoperability and share counterterrorism expertise, the Pakistani military said on Saturday.
The two-week-long exercise involves contingents from Pakistani and US armies. Officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi in northwest Pakistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing.
It is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability through the sharing of counter-terrorism experiences, while further refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for effective CT operations.
"Emphasis is being laid on marksmanship skills during urban warfare, as well as on understanding each other’s operational doctrines and best practices," the ISPR said in a statement.
"Such joint training exercises are of vital importance in addressing evolving security challenges, improving professional military standards, and strengthening the capacity of both forces to operate in complex counter-terrorism environments."
Pakistan and the US have maintained multifaceted relations for decades, encompassing security cooperation, economic engagement and people-to-people ties. While the partnership has experienced periods of strain, particularly over regional security dynamics in South Asia and Afghanistan, both sides have continued to engage through institutional mechanisms, including military-to-military contacts, counterterrorism cooperation and high-level diplomatic dialogues.
In recent years, Islamabad and Washington have sought to stabilize ties by focusing on areas of mutual interest such as regional stability, trade, counterterrorism and climate resilience. Defense collaboration, including joint exercises and training programs, remains a key component of their relationship.
"Inspired Gambit–2026 reflects the continued commitment of Pakistan and the United States towards collaborative efforts for peace and stability," the ISPR added.
