FO rejects Afghan Taliban allegations over civilian casualties in strikes

The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban regime regarding civilian casualties in Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan, saying its response was proportionate to the threat and reflected restraint.

In a statement, the FO described the allegations as “baseless and unsubstantiated” and said terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory posed a threat to Pakistan.

“Disinformation and misleading narratives will neither obscure the threat posed by the terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory nor absolve the Afghan Taliban regime of its responsibility to prevent Afghan soil from being used to plan and launch attacks against Pakistan,” the statement said.

The FO added that attacks originating from Afghan soil had resulted in more than 3,500 casualties in 2026.

It also accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering terrorist organisations, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliates. The ministry said these groups posed a threat to regional peace and stability.

“No responsible state can remain passive when its civilians and security forces are repeatedly targeted,” the statement said.

The FO maintained that Pakistan’s actions were undertaken in self-defence and as a last resort, targeting terrorists and their logistical support bases in Afghanistan. It said the operations adhered to the principles of distinction and precaution.

The ministry urged the international community to hold the Afghan Taliban regime accountable for failing to meet its obligations to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism.

“Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures in order to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety and security of Pakistani nationals,” the statement added