ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday summoned Afghanistan’s interim Deputy Head of Mission to Foreign Office following a suicide terrorist attack in North Waziristan that martyred four security personnel, as Islamabad slammed Afghanistan-based militants and demanded decisive action.

In an official statement, the Foreign Office condemned the attack in the “strongest possible terms,” saying it was carried out by “Khwarij belonging to the Kharji Gul Bahadur Group” against a military camp in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Islamabad uses the term “Khawarij” for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), invoking a historical label for an extremist sect in early Islam that rejected legitimate authority and declared other Muslims apostates.

“To convey our strong demarche, the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement said.

Pakistan demanded a thorough investigation and concrete measures against those responsible for planning, facilitating and executing terrorist attacks from Afghan soil.

Earlier, four terrorists were killed and four Pakistani soldiers were martyred when security forces foiled the major attack on December 19 in the Boya area of North Waziristan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“In a heinous and cowardly terrorist act, Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij attacked a security forces camp,” the ISPR said, adding that the attackers attempted to breach the camp’s perimeter.

The military said troops responded swiftly, preventing the militants from entering the facility.

After failing to penetrate the defenses, the terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer wall, causing its collapse and damaging nearby civilian infrastructure, including a mosque.

“This blatant act of barbarism inflicted severe injuries on 15 local civilians, including women and children,” the ISPR said, adding that several homes were also damaged.

Security forces engaged the attackers and killed all four terrorists. “Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, own troops engaged the intruders with precision,” the statement said.

During the intense exchange of fire, four soldiers embraced martyrdom. The ISPR identified them as Havildar Muhammad Waqas, 42, from Kotli; Naik Khanwaiz, 38, from Mansehra; Sepoy Sufyan Haider, 25, from Vehari; and Sepoy Riffat, 32, from Layyah.

“Having fought gallantly, these brave sons of the soil paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the military said.

The ISPR said the attack was planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan-based Khwarij, contradicting claims by the Afghan interim authorities that no militant groups are operating from their territory.

Pakistan urged the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

“Pakistan reserves the right to hunt these Khwarij down and eliminate their facilitators and affiliates to ensure the safety of its people,” the ISPR said.

The Foreign Office added that Afghan interim authorities have been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens amid rising cross-border militancy.

Militant activity in KP has surged since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, with armed groups frequently targeting security convoys, checkpoints, and government officials through attacks, kidnappings, and assassinations.

Pakistan has repeatedly warned that militant groups, including Fitna al Khwarij, are operating from safe havens across the Afghan border and receiving foreign support to conduct terrorist operations within Pakistan.

Islamabad has consistently raised these concerns with Afghan interim authorities, calling for decisive action. Despite Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement and restraint, repeated cross-border attacks have escalated tensions between the two countries.

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