ISLAMABAD: New evidence confirms that Afghan territory continues to be used as a base for terrorist operations targeting Pakistan.
On February 16, 2026, a suicide attacker struck a post in Bajaur. Authorities identified him as a foreign national, Ahmad, also known as Qari Abdullah Abu Zar, a resident of Balkh province, Afghanistan.
Ahmad previously served in the Taliban’s special forces. The attack killed 11 security personnel and two civilians.
Officials say Afghan involvement in recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan highlights the Taliban regime’s active support and facilitation of militants. Intelligence reports show a clear cross-border pattern.
On February 6, 2026, a bomber in Islamabad’s Tarlai area had received training in Afghanistan. Previous attackers, including those targeting the Islamabad Judicial Complex on November 11, 2025, and FC Headquarters in Peshawar on November 24, 2025, also had links to Afghanistan.
Earlier incidents include attacks on Dera Ismail Khan Police Training Center (October 10, 2025) and Wanakhel Cadet College (November 10, 2025), both involving Afghan nationals. A suicide bomber arrested in South Waziristan on October 19, 2025, Namatullah son of Musa Jan, was from Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Planning for the Bannu Cantt attack on March 4, 2025, was also traced to Afghan nationals. Facilitators of the Jafar Express attack on March 11, 2025, maintained constant contact with a Taliban-linked operative hiding in Afghanistan. A suicide bomber arrested on September 3, 2024, Ruhullah, admitted cross-border coordination from Afghanistan.
Also Read: Pakistan Lodges Protest with Kabul Over Bajaur Attack
Experts say the Taliban’s support provides militants with safe havens inside Afghanistan. More than 70 percent of recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan involve Afghan nationals.
Analysts warn that the Taliban regime’s backing of terrorist groups continues to sabotage peace efforts in the region.
