Key Points
- Links traced between Bajaur attack and Afghan-based terror networks.
- Similar Afghan links found in attacks in Islamabad.
- Security agencies cite Afghan connections in incidents in Peshawar.
- Multiple suicide bombers received training across the border.
- Officials say terrorists enjoy safe havens under the Taliban regime.
- Experts claim over 70 per cent attacks involve Afghan nationals.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has once again presented irrefutable evidence that Afghan soil is being used to carry out terrorist attacks inside the country, with fresh disclosures confirming that the suicide bomber involved in the February 16, 2026 attack in Bajaur was an Afghan national.
Security sources said the suicide attack on the Malangi check post in Bajaur was carried out by an Afghan national identified as Khariji Ahmed, also known as Qari Abdullah Abu Zar, a resident of Afghanistan’s Balkh province.
The attacker was reportedly a former member of the Taliban’s special forces.
The deadly attack claimed the lives of 11 security personnel and two innocent civilians, further underscoring the human cost of cross-border terrorism faced by Pakistan.
Irrefutable evidence has once again emerged regarding use of #Afghan territory for terrorism in Pakistan#RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/Ne6dptu9rz pic.twitter.com/3l30iXMGes
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 20, 2026
Cross-border terror links
Officials say the involvement of Afghan nationals in repeated terrorist incidents inside Pakistan is clear evidence of the Afghan Taliban regime’s patronage, facilitation and sheltering of terrorists elements.
According to security assessments, the operational, logistical and planning links of most recent terrorist attacks trace back across the border.
On February 6, 2026, a suicide bomber who struck in Islamabad’s Tarlai area had received terrorist training in Afghanistan. Similarly, the attackers involved in the November 11, 2025 assault on the Islamabad Judicial Complex and the November 24 attack on FC Headquarters in Peshawar were also found to have Afghan links.
Pattern of involvement
Last year, Afghan nationals were confirmed to be involved in the October 10 attack on the Dera Ismail Khan Police Training Centre and the November 10 attack on the Cadet College in Wana. On October 19, 2025, a would-be suicide bomber arrested in South Waziristan was identified as Nematullah son of Musa Jan, a resident of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Security officials further revealed that the planning of the March 4, 2025 Bannu Cantonment attack also took place in Afghanistan, with confirmed involvement of Afghan nationals. Likewise, facilitators of the March 11, 2025 Jaffar Express attack remained in constant contact with Khariji Noor Wali, who was hiding in Afghanistan at the time.
Terror safe havens
The confession of suicide bomber Roohullah, arrested on September 3, 2024, is also cited as strong evidence of cross-border terrorism, as he admitted to receiving instructions and support from handlers based in Afghanistan.
Experts say these developments clearly show that terrorist organisations continue to enjoy safe havens inside Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. According to security analysts, more than 70 per cent of terrorist incidents in Pakistan involve Afghan nationals, highlighting the scale of the threat.
Analysts further note that the Afghan Taliban’s “illogical behaviour” and continued backing of terrorist groups have repeatedly undermined regional peace efforts, despite Pakistan’s consistent calls for cooperation and good-faith engagement to eliminate terrorism from the region.
