Pakistan Summons Afghan Diplomat After Deadly Suicide Attack

Pakistan on Monday summoned the top diplomat of Afghanistan in Islamabad after authorities concluded that a deadly weekend suicide attack in the country’s northwest was allegedly planned by militants operating from Afghan territory, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

The diplomatic move came after a devastating attack on Saturday in Pakistan’s northwestern region, where a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a security checkpoint before militants opened fire on police officers stationed nearby. Officials said at least 15 people were killed in the assault, making it one of the deadliest recent attacks targeting security personnel in the region.

In a statement released Monday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the Afghan chargé d’affaires had been formally summoned to receive Islamabad’s protest and concerns over the incident.

“The Afghan side was conveyed that a detailed investigation into the incident, along with evidence collected and technical intelligence, indicates that the attack was masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan,” the statement said.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups of using Afghan territory as a safe haven to launch attacks across the border, particularly since the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul in 2021. Islamabad has urged Afghan authorities to take stronger action against armed groups that it says threaten Pakistan’s security.

The latest attack is expected to further strain already tense relations between the two neighboring countries. Security concerns along the porous border have remained a major source of friction, with both sides frequently exchanging accusations over cross-border militancy.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday’s bombing and gun assault. However, suspicion is likely to fall on militant factions that have intensified attacks in Pakistan’s border regions in recent years.

Pakistan’s security forces have launched multiple operations against insurgent groups operating in the northwest, particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan. Despite these efforts, attacks on police, military personnel, and civilians have continued.

Analysts warn that escalating violence and diplomatic tensions could complicate regional stability at a time when both countries are already facing economic and security challenges.