Pakistan's foreign ministry summoned the Taliban's deputy head of mission on July 17, demanding action against Afghanistan-based militant groups, Reuters reported. This follows a deadly attack on a military base in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, on July 15.
Militants, identified as members of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, attacked the base by ramming an explosive-laden vehicle into its perimeter wall, resulting in the deaths of eight Pakistani security personnel. Pakistan's military asserts that the militant group operates from within Afghanistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly raised the issue of increasing cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries. The two nations' security forces have frequently clashed along the border in recent years.
"Pakistan reiterated its serious concerns over the presence of terror outfits inside Afghanistan that continue to threaten Pakistan's security," stated Pakistan's foreign office. The ministry urged Taliban authorities to "fully investigate and take immediate, robust and effective action against the perpetrators of the Bannu attack and to prevent the recurrence of such attacks."
While the Taliban's spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the group has previously denied allegations of allowing Afghan territory to be used by militants. In response to ongoing threats, Pakistan has conducted intelligence-based operations, including airstrikes in March, targeting militant groups inside Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the total bilateral trade between the two nations from January to May amounted to $937mn, with Afghanistan's exports accounting for $294mn. Afghanistan witnessed a 32% decline in exports to Pakistan during 5M4 compared to the same period last year.
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