ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson said on Thursday that Islamabad has issued a demarche to the Afghan deputy head of mission for a “terrorist” attack earlier this month that killed 12, including 11 security forces personnel. 

Pakistani Taliban or the TTP rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the wall of a checkpost manned jointly by security forces and law enforcement agencies in the northwestern Bajaur district this week, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

Pakistan’s military said 11 security forces personnel and one civilian were killed in the attack, adding that 12 militants were also gunned down during the exchange of fire.

“The foreign office summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission yesterday afternoon and delivered a strong demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime on the terrorist attack in Bajaur on 16th February 2026 in which 11 Pakistani soldiers were martyred,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement. 

Pakistan blames surging attacks in its territory on militants it says are based in Afghanistan and are facilitated by the Taliban government there. Kabul denies the allegations and has urged Islamabad to focus on its security challenges without blaming it. 

“The Afghan Taliban regime has been told to take immediate, concrete and verifiable measures against all terror groups operating from its territory, including their leadership,” the statement added. 

It said the TTP’s “entire leadership” is based in Afghanistan and operates with impunity from Afghan soil.

The foreign office noted that Islamabad has repeatedly received assurances from the Afghan Taliban regime on taking actions against such groups. However, it said” no visible or concrete actions” have been taken so far. 

“The Afghan Taliban regime has also been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond and eliminate any Khwarij belonging to FAK group along with their affiliates, wherever they are located to ensure safety of its soldiers, civilians and territorial boundaries,” the statement concluded. 

Pakistan’s military and government frequently use the term “khwarij” and “Fitna-al-Khwarij” for the TTP. Islamabad also alleges militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan are supported by its arch-rival India, a charge New Delhi rejects.