Fresh and disturbing evidence has once again brought into focus the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. Security sources say the facts are clear and difficult to ignore. The latest suicide attack at the Malangi post in Bajaur on February 16, 2026, has deepened concerns about cross border militancy and the role of Afghan nationals in violent acts inside Pakistan.
The attacker has been identified as Khareji Ahmad, also known as Qari Abdullah Abuzar, a resident of Balkh province in Afghanistan. According to security officials, he was also associated with the special forces of the Taliban. The suicide bombing claimed the lives of innocent civilians and 11 security personnel, leaving families shattered and a nation grieving.
This is not an isolated case. Over the past several years, Pakistani authorities have repeatedly pointed to evidence linking acts of terrorism to operatives trained, sheltered, or supported from across the border. The pattern, they argue, is too consistent to dismiss as coincidence.
Earlier this month, the suicide bomber involved in the February 6, 2026 attack in Islamabad was found to have received training in Afghanistan. On November 11, 2025, terrorists who attacked the Abad Judicial Complex and the FC Headquarters in Peshawar were also reported to have links to Afghanistan. These incidents are part of a troubling chain of events that stretch back further.
Investigations into the attack on the Dera Ismail Khan Police Training Center on October 10 last year and the Wana Cadet College attack on November 10 also revealed the involvement of Afghan nationals. On October 19, 2025, a suicide bomber named Nematullah, son of Musa Jan, was arrested in South Waziristan. He too was a resident of Kandahar province in Afghanistan.
The Bannu Cantt attack on March 4, 2025 was reportedly planned from Afghan territory. Officials confirmed the involvement of Afghan nationals in that assault as well. Similarly, the facilitators of the Jafar Express attack on March 11, 2025 were said to be in constant contact with Khareji Noor Wali, who was hiding in Afghanistan at the time.
Even earlier, on September 3, 2024, the arrest and confessional statement of a suicide bomber named Rohullah pointed toward cross border planning and support networks operating from Afghanistan. Each case adds to a growing body of evidence that security officials describe as irrefutable.
Experts believe that the continued presence of terrorist safe havens inside Afghanistan has emboldened militant groups targeting Pakistan. According to some assessments, more than 70 percent of terrorists involved in recent incidents in Pakistan were Afghan nationals. Analysts argue that such figures highlight a serious governance and security failure on the part of the Afghan authorities.
The central concern remains the alleged patronage and facilitation provided by elements within the Afghan Taliban regime to extremist organizations. Critics say that despite repeated assurances, meaningful action against anti Pakistan militant networks has not materialized. Instead, these groups appear to enjoy operational space that allows them to plan, train, and launch attacks across the border.
Pakistan has consistently called for stronger border management, intelligence sharing, and decisive action against all terrorist outfits without distinction. Peace in the region, observers note, depends on mutual trust and genuine cooperation. When one side feels that its security concerns are being ignored, mistrust grows and stability suffers.
The Afghan Taliban regime’s conduct, described by many experts as illogical and counterproductive, has complicated peace efforts. At a time when the region needs economic integration, reconstruction, and political stability, the continuation of cross border terrorism undermines every positive initiative.
Terrorism does not recognize borders, but responsibility does. If Afghan territory is being used to plan and execute attacks inside Pakistan, it is the duty of the authorities in Kabul to take firm and visible action. Denial or inaction will only deepen suspicion and prolong conflict.
The people of Pakistan have paid a heavy price in blood over the past two decades. They deserve security, stability, and an end to externally supported violence. The latest revelations serve as a reminder that without sincere cooperation and decisive measures from all sides, the dream of lasting peace in the region will remain out of reach.
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