Pakistan Rejects Afghan Taliban Allegations, Reaffirms Right to Self-Defence
Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban allegations over civilian casualties linked to its counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan. On October 26, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the operations targeted militants and their support bases. It also said Pakistan reserved the right to protect its citizens and territory, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
What Pakistan says about the allegations
Pakistan described the civilian-casualty claims as unsubstantiated. The Foreign Office said its actions were taken as a last resort and were directed at terrorist groups and their logistical support bases.
The statement also accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups to use Afghan territory to plan attacks on Pakistan. It named the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army and their affiliates.
However, Kabul has disputed Pakistan’s accusations about militant activity from Afghan soil. The two governments therefore continue to present sharply different accounts of the security situation.
UN reporting adds context to the dispute
The allegations come amid a wider disagreement over Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan. In October, Pakistan said it had targeted militant hideouts in Kunar and Helmand provinces. Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported that at least 10 civilians, most of them children, were killed and nine people were injured in strikes in those provinces. The Associated Press reported the UN findings.
Pakistan rejected the civilian-casualty allegations in its October 26 statement. The statement said Pakistan’s actions were limited to militant targets. The reported civilian deaths and Pakistan’s explanation are competing accounts; the claims should remain attributed to their respective sources.
Pakistan says it may take further measures
Pakistan called on the international community to press the Taliban authorities to prevent attacks from being planned or launched from Afghan territory. It also said it reserved the right to take measures to protect its sovereignty and citizens.
At the same time, the Foreign Office described its actions as necessary and a last resort. The statement did not announce a new operation or give details of any next steps.
For background, read our report on Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Moscow. Continued diplomatic contact and independently verified information about security incidents will help clarify the competing claims.