The Foreign Office confirmed that the July 13 attack on Pakistan Army’s Zhob Garrison in Northern Balochistan involved Afghan nationals. Three terrorists were identified as being from Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Nine soldiers were martyred, and five terrorists were killed during the attack.
Pakistan strongly condemned the use of Afghan soil for terrorism and called for action from the Afghan government.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s right to self-defense under international law but preferred a diplomatic approach, urging the Afghan government to act against the militants. He also mentioned the Doha Accord, where the Taliban assured that no militant groups would operate from Afghanistan. The situation arose after a deadly attack at a political rally in Bajaur. Bilawal hoped for peaceful resolution but stated that Pakistan might be forced to take action if repeatedly attacked without appropriate response from the Afghan authorities.
