Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, confirmed on Friday that Afghanistan has issued a formal diplomatic protest, known as a demarche, to Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul. This follows allegations from Afghan authorities that Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Khost provinces, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to seven individuals.
During a press briefing in Islamabad, Dar stated he had just returned from travel and is still in the process of reviewing the situation. He acknowledged receiving the diplomatic letter but did not explain the specifics behind its issuance.
“I’m still going through the system, but they handed our ambassador a letter, which is called a demarche,” Dar conveyed. “This needs investigation, to look into the situation and why it is happening … right now, it’s too early to say anything.” When asked if Pakistan was involved in the alleged strikes, Dar did not provide a direct response.
Highlighting Islamabad’s primary concern, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s demand for Kabul to address the presence of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, urging Afghanistan to prevent it from staging attacks across the border.
“We asked them ‘please take these people away from our borders or hand them over to us,’” Dar stated. He also highlighted the mutual benefits of the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project, which promises to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.
Despite the current tensions, Dar expressed confidence in Kabul’s willingness to collaborate with Pakistan, noting, “There is no resistance there,” following his bilateral meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Pakistan has consistently urged Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being used as a launch pad for attacks against Pakistan and maintains it can address threats proactively when necessary. This month, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan pledged to reinforce their collective fight against terrorism and boost collaboration in various critical areas, including trade and regional development.
Dar’s recent discussions with Afghan officials have reaffirmed a mutual commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and fostering peace and stability within the region.
