Summary It also rejected remarks by Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid warning of serious consequences for Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting citizens and police personnel during Friday prayers in Kohat, saying Pakistan is deeply concerned over the use of Afghan soil by militant groups.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, the ministry said the attack was carried out by Khawarij with roots in Afghanistan, stressing that terrorism has no religion or justification.
The ministry expressed concern over what it said were terrorist sanctuaries and recruitment networks operating in Afghanistan, describing them as a direct threat to Pakistan’s security.
It also rejected remarks by Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid warning of serious consequences for Pakistan. According to the ministry, instead of shifting responsibility onto Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban should take action against militant networks operating from Afghan territory.
The ministry further called on the Afghan authorities to fulfill their counterterrorism responsibilities under the Doha Agreement, saying that condemnation of the Kohat attack by Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry was not sufficient.
“Verbal sympathy must be converted into concrete and verifiable actions,” the statement said.
The ministry maintained that Pakistan would take all necessary steps under international law to protect its citizens, borders and sovereignty. It also reiterated the country’s stated determination and capability to counter the threat of terrorism.
The statement urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to take what Pakistan described as decisive action against militant groups, warning that the threat could have wider regional consequences.
