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Islamabad, Feb 19 (IANS) The suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on February 6 is a grim indictment of Pakistan's security policy that has prioritised geopolitical leverage over domestic stability, a report has stated.

"While the Pakistani establishment has characteristically pivoted towards a carousel of external culprits - alternating between allegations of an 'Indian link', Afghan complicity, and even the internal machinations of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - the international consensus among regional experts is coalescing around a more uncomfortable truth," a report stated in Greece-based 'Directus'.

"The blast is not an isolated intrusion of foreign malice but the predictable harvest of a 'nurture- and-neglect' strategy towards extremism that dates back decades. Since its inception, the Pakistani military establishment has viewed militant proxies as instruments of 'strategic depth.' From the mobilisation of tribal militias to invade Kashmir in October 1947 to the institutionalization of the Kashmir insurgency in the 1990s, the state has consistently traded long-term security for short-term tactical disruption," it added.

Pakistan's legacy of patronage can be seen in the continued survival of UN-designated terrorist entities like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Despite facing pressure from international community and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey listing, Pakistan has often provided high-profile shelter to terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar under the guise of "protective custody."

The most recent evidence of the ongoing nexus surfaced just days before bomb blast in Islamabad. Jaish-e-Mohammed held a public rally in Rawalkot area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that was conducted with the transparent cooperation of Pakistan's security apparatus.

"During the event, senior Jaish commander Ilyas Kashmiri reportedly addressed a crowd, invoking the rhetoric of 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' and suggesting that Army Chief General Asim Munir viewed the current confrontation with India as a holy war. This was not a clandestine meeting in a remote cave? it was a choreographed display of strength in an area where the military maintains total control," the Directus report stated.

Several reports revealed an initial disbursement of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) four crore to LeT for “flood relief” a funding given for rebuilding command-and-neck centers. The State, by providing financial and physical space to groups like JeM to recruit and raise funds in Rawalkot, does not have right to express surprise when the same radicalisation infrastructure eventually turns its sights inward.

Pakistan defence ministry's attempt to connect February 6 blast to India and Taliban is seen as a diversionary tactic by international community. Even leaders like Maulana Fazlur Rehman have rejected Pakistan's claims, stressing that if the borders are secure enough to stop trade, they should be secure enough to stop militants — unless the militants are already inside.

"The reality is that Pakistan is currently fighting a multi-front war of its own making. It blames the Afghan Taliban for sheltering the TTP, yet it was the Pakistani establishment that celebrated the Taliban's return to Kabul in 2021 as a victory for 'strategic depth'. It blames the PTI for domestic unrest, yet it has used the security apparatus to manipulate the political landscape to the point of paralysis.

"The Islamabad blast is the latest data point in a downward spiral where the state's obsession with regional proxies has left its own capital vulnerable to the very 'Takfiri' elements it once considered useful. The Islamabad Mosque bombing is a reminder that 'strategic depth' is a hollow concept when the state cannot secure its own federal capital. Until the Pakistani establishment stops viewing militants as 'assets' and begins treating them as the existential threats they are, the cycle of violence will continue," the A Directus report stated.

--IANS

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Dhaka, Feb 19 (IANS) Business confidence weakened, industrial production slowed, and there were no significant new initiatives or major domestic or foreign investments in Bangladesh under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus who had taken over as the Chief Advisor of the interim government during a crucial period following the fall of government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, a report has highlighted.

According to renowned economist and former Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Professor Abdul Bayes, people expected Bangladesh's economy to recover under Yunus. However, most economic indicators reportedly witnessed decline except remittance inflows and foreign exchange reserves.

"Business confidence weakened, industrial production slowed, and there were no significant new initiatives or major domestic or foreign investments. Meanwhile, unemployment and poverty increased. According to estimates cited from the World Bank, nearly three million people became newly poor during his tenure," a report in Bangladesh's leading newspaper 'Daily Sun' stated.

Yunus, popular for his famous vision of “sending poverty to the museum" by assuming the role of Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government had the opportunity to reduce poverty in the country. However, he was not able to utilise the opportunity effectively as an additional 30 lakh people reportedly fell into poverty during his tenure.

Citing experts, the newspaper reported that private sector investment reduced significantly under Yunus. In June 2024, the private sector investment was at 24 per cent of GDP, however, it reduced to 22.48 per cent by June 2025, a decline of nearly 1.5 percentage points in just one year. Public investment reached its lowest level in 10 years. According to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) between July-November reached 11.5 per cent.

Earlier this month, a leading US-based rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted in its 2026 World Report that Yunus has also failed to maintain law and order and deliver on promised human rights reforms in Bangladesh

The HRW stated that the interim government arbitrarily detained thousands of perceived political opponents and, in May, banned the Awami League.

It also noted that the interim government decided to prosecute the most serious crimes allegedly committed during the Awami League’s tenure at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), a domestic court previously used to prosecute crimes under international law committed during the country’s 1971 war of independence.

In November last year, the ICT sentenced Hasina, along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, to death following trials in absentia for crimes against humanity. A former police chief, who is in custody, testified for the prosecution and was jailed for five years.

“The tribunal had been fraught with violations of fair trial standards, and while the interim government amended the law that establishes the court, introducing some improvements, it still lacks important due process protections and includes the death penalty, in violation of international human rights law. The interim government also gave the tribunal broad powers to prosecute and dismantle political organisations,” the HRW stated.

According to the rights group, one of the key challenges faced by the interim government was an alarming surge in mob violence by political parties and other non-state groups, including religious hardliners hostile to women’s rights and to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

--IANS

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Islamabad, Feb 19 (IANS) A new assessment by the United Nations (UN) has revealed that around 7.5 million people in Pakistan face high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition after a year that witnessed heavy monsoon floods, prolonged drought, dry spells, and a rise in violence.

From December 2025 to March 2026, around 1.25 million people will face 'emergency' levels of acute food insecurity, characterised by large food gaps and high levels of acute malnutrition, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report said. Immediate lifesaving assistance is required to prevent a "catastrophe" for over a million people in Pakistan in emergency levels of food insecurity.

Residual 2025 monsoon flood impacts, drought, and localised insecurity have weakened agriculture and pastoral livelihoods, reduced production, impacted markets, and squeezed coping capacity.

Furthermore, seasonal factors have added to the crisis with the lean season reducing farm labour and income opportunities and harsh winter conditions in some areas have further impacted access and livelihoods, according to the statement released by UN.

Food access has been impacted in some areas of Pakistan by weak purchasing power, market dependence, price volatility, and indebtedness, according to the statement released by UN. Wheat flour has also been flagged as particularly concerning during the lean season.

Last month, a report stated that Pakistan is struggling to afford food and education. A 20-year comparison of household consumption in Pakistan showcases a structural reallocation of funds towards fixing living costs instead of spending it on food, revealed a new poll released by Gallup Pakistan.

Data from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) reveals that the share of money spent by households on food reduced from 43 per cent to 37 per cent between 2005 and 2025. During the same period, housing and utilities have increased from 15 per cent to a quarter of household budgets, an editorial in Pakistan's leading daily 'The News International' mentioned.

"Gallup analysis finds that, when viewed alongside weaker real incomes and evidence of declining food quantities, this trend likely reflects households cutting back on food consumption to cope with rising fixed expenses, like housing and utilities, rather than food becoming more affordable. This is also not the only analysis to find that Pakistanis are cutting back on food," it highlighted.

The HIES 2024-25 survey revealed that people facing moderate-to-severe food insecurity had increased from one in six to one in four between 2018-19 and 2024-25, making it harder for residents of Pakistan to survive in the present and the prospects for future also do not look bright.

"According to the Institute of Social and Policy Science (I-SAP)’s 15th annual report on ‘Public Financing of Education’ families are now bearing the majority of spending on education; a first in the nation’s history. Of the Rs 5.03 trillion total cost of education, household spending accounts for Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 2.8 trillion while the public sector pitches in PKR 2.23 trillion," the editorial detailed.

The household spending comprises Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1.31 trillion spent on paying private school fees, PKR 613 billion on tuition and shadow education and PKR 878 billion in other expenses. The disparity comes amid people preferring private education system for their children and major issues related to the adequacy of the public education system.

Around 20 million children remain out of school and it appears that people who can afford to send their children to private schools and tutors are the ones who will be able to receive education in Pakistan, The News International opined.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Emmanuel Macron before the French President concluded his India visit on Thursday following his participation in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

The two leaders held discussions on a hectic day as PM Modi welcomed the world leaders to the landmark summit.

During Macron's official visit from February 17 to 19, both leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

They also held discussions on other regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders had jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai, which will be celebrated throughout 2026 in both countries.

The French President's visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India–France Strategic Partnership, as well as the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen it further.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh saw off the President of France at the Delhi airport on Thursday evening.

"During his successful visit, our bilateral relations were elevated to Special Global Strategic Partnership- further expanding our bilateral cooperation across defence, critical minerals, advanced technologies, climate action, health, education and economic security. His participation and insightful engagements in the AI Impact Summit have added significant momentum to India–France cooperation in emerging technologies, innovation and responsible AI," Singh posted on X.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), from deepening progress on the 'Horizon 2047' goals with 20-plus outcomes to pioneering AI for humanity, inclusive growth and a sustainable future, the French President's visit provided a "big boost" to the multifaceted ties between both countries.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday reaffirmed the importance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which they said remains underpinned by strong political, cultural, commercial, energy and people-to-people ties.

Both leaders met on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. This is his Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's second official visit to India, following his earlier visit in September 2024.

"Had a fruitful discussion with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. We talked about boosting cooperation in futuristic sectors such as AI, supercomputers, investing in data centres in India and more," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

During their meeting, both leaders recalled the recent successful visits to India by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and other members of the Royal families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"The leaders acknowledged the tremendous progress achieved in bilateral relations in a wide range of sectors such as defence and security, trade and investment, education and cultural cooperation. They noted that 18 February 2026 marks exactly four years since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), during which bilateral trade and investment have witnessed remarkable growth," read a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

"Furthermore, both leaders commended significant two-way investment flows, and encouraged UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds to continue to invest in the Indian economy. In this light, both leaders acknowledged the potential of L'Imad, as the newest sovereign fund, to strengthen this partnership for mutual benefit. They also discussed collaborative opportunities between India and the UAE in strategic sectors such as space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation," it added.

Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also welcomed several other initiatives which set the stage for enhancing bilateral cooperation in traditional as well as new areas of cooperation.

This included the finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the Ministry of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine. The MoU will promote joint efforts in professional exchanges, institutional collaboration, research, digital health, pharmaceuticals and development of modern technologies in the health sector beneficial to the people of both the countries.

The finalisation of Term Sheet between Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, and G42 and Mohamed Bin Zayed University of AI for deployment of supercomputer cluster in India was also welcomed. The finalisation of the Term sheet commences implementation of deployment of supercomputer cluster in India announced jointly by Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, during the latter’s visit to India last month. The supercomputer cluster will be part of the AI India Mission, making it accessible to both public and private sectors for research, application development, and commercial use.

The two leaders also welcomed the setting up of office of Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company in the GIFT City in Gujarat.

The visiting Crown Prince congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the success of the AI Impact Summit while PM Modi welcomed the initiative of Switzerland to host the next AI Summit, to be followed by the UAE.

"The visit reaffirmed the tradition of regular leadership-level engagement between India and the UAE. It also reinforced high-level political commitment to the India–UAE technology partnership, elevating AI and advanced technologies as one of the core pillars of the bilateral relationship," the PMO stated.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday held a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, also holding discussions on boosting connectivity especially through India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

It was on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in New Delhi in 2023 that the leaders of India, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and US announced an MoU committing to work together to develop a new India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

The IMEEC will comprise two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe. The corridor intends to enhance connectivity, increase efficiency, reduce costs, secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility and generate jobs, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and Middle East.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during their meeting on Thursday, the two leaders reviewed various aspects of India-Greece strategic partnership, especially in the field of trade and commerce, defence and security, tourism, culture and collaboration in AI and other emerging technologies.

"The leaders discussed boosting connectivity especially through IMEC and looked forward to the early implementation of India-EU FTA which will bring immense benefits to the economy of both countries and lead to higher tech collaboration, investments and jobs, particularly for the youth. Prime Minister thanked PM Mitsotakis of Greece for his strong support to India in its fight against terrorism," the MEA stated after the meeting.

Earlier, in his address at the AI Impact Summit, the Prime Minister of Hellenic Republic thanked India for organising the "very important" event, which has placed India and the Global South at the heart of global conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"The context you have chosen for this summit, on the theme of 'People, Progress and Planet', reflects the fact that Artificial Intelligence is not only a profound, massive technological change, but also a cultural change. The choices we make today will determine whether artificial intelligence will expand opportunities or deepen inequalities," said Mitsotakis.

He mentioned that governments must ensure that workers are retrained, small businesses have access to AI tools, public services are upgraded, farmers, nurses, teachers and small entrepreneurs should feel the benefits of this technology in a tangible way.

"Concerns about the displacement of a significant part of the workforce are reasonable and must be addressed as soon as possible. In Greece, we are moving in this direction as digitalization has made public services much more accessible. The integration of artificial intelligence in education will contribute to reducing the learning gap, while advances in telemedicine, predictive analytics and personalized preventive care are making healthcare much more proactive, shifting it from treatment in hospitals to prevention at home and improving the quality of life of all citizens," he added.

He also stated that Greece has built partnerships with all major cloud service providers, while at the same time developing its own capabilities through EU-backed AI factories and initiatives, led by national champions, attracting investment from around the world.

"A world in which technology is harnessed to pressure trusted partners or in which overregulation becomes a tool to stifle innovation is a world in which collective innovation declines. If we fragment the AI ​​ecosystem into rigid compartments, we reduce the benefits for everyone. If we harness interdependence responsibly, we expand opportunities for everyone," remarked Mitsotakis.

"As I listened to the Prime Minister of India, I thought that it is the combination of artificial intelligence and ancestral intelligence, whether it is found in ancient Sanskrit texts or in the writings of Greek philosophers, that will ultimately lead us to a more just future, with prosperity. This is the message that Greece wants to send to the world, and I hope it resonates," he concluded.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Pakistan’s struggling growth story may not be about weak productivity or lack of innovation, but about the high cost of doing business created by state policies, according to a recent private sector analysis reported by Nikkei Asia.

The report, based on a study conducted by the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF), cited by The News International, found that operating a business in Pakistan is 34 per cent more expensive than in comparable South Asian economies.

Business leaders said this is not a temporary issue but a structural problem caused by high energy prices, heavy taxation, expensive loans and currency depreciation.

According to the study, electricity tariffs in Pakistan average around Rs34 per unit, nearly double the regional average of Rs17.

Fuel prices are also burdened with a petroleum levy of about Rs80 per litre. Interest rates remain high at 12.5 per cent, making borrowing costly for businesses.

At the same time, the Pakistani rupee has weakened sharply from Rs 110 per dollar in 2018 to about Rs 280 by December 2025, making imported raw materials and machinery far more expensive, the report stated.

The effective tax burden on companies can reach as high as 55 per cent, which is significantly above regional norms.

Business groups argue that this level of taxation reduces funds available for reinvestment and expansion, discouraging growth.

The impact is also visible in the country’s workforce trends. Data from Gallup Pakistan shows that salaried employment now accounts for over 60 per cent of the workforce, up from about 53 per cent in 2010–11.

Meanwhile, self-employment has declined from 24.4 per cent to 21.8 per cent. Analysts say this reflects growing risk aversion, as high costs and regulatory hurdles discourage people from starting their own businesses.

Entrepreneurs have complained about complex licensing rules and multiple government departments increasing compliance costs.

A young graduate quoted in the Nikkei report said he dropped plans to open a restaurant after facing excessive regulatory requirements.

Experts also point to trade and industrial policies that restrict access to cheaper imported inputs in the name of protecting domestic producers.

Critics argue this approach raises production costs without improving competitiveness, leaving local manufacturers protected but unable to compete globally, according to the report.

--IANS

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Kabul, Feb 19 (IANS) The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) has said Afghan journalists stuck in Pakistan and Iran face worsening conditions while they wait for their humanitarian visas, local media reported.

The group said that many journalists who left Afghanistan as they faced security threats now risk deportation from host nations while relocation remains delayed, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported.

AMSO warned that prolonged administrative delays and the absence of a clear visa timeline are deteriorating the psychological and physical conditions of journalists. The group specially requested Brazilian authorities and diplomatic missions to immediately process humanitarian visas and provide clear updates on relocation procedures.

Many Afghan journalists who fled Afghanistan reside in neighbouring nations like Pakistan and Iran, where legal status and livelihoods remain uncertain. AMSO and international rights groups have stated that swift efforts for relocation of journalists will protect them from facing ongoing uncertainty and security risks abroad.

On February 2, AMSO said that five Afghan journalists were detained by the Pakistani police over the past two weeks. According to AMSO, journalist Samim Forough Faizi and cameraman Ataullah Shirzad were among those detained while others requested anonymity due to security risks, Khaama Press reported.

The organisation stated that the journalists have been released now but warned that arbitrary detentions and insecurity remain serious concerns for Afghan reporters residing in Pakistan.

AMSO stressed that Afghan journalists and families have been facing uncertain conditions in Pakistan as Islamabad has not been extending visas for many Afghan refugees.

Rights groups have warned that increasing deportations and stringent immigration policies have deteriorated conditions for Afghan journalists seeking safety and resettlement abroad. AMSO requested international media and human rights groups to increase support for Afghan journalists who are facing insecurity and legal issues in Pakistan.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a meeting on the sidelines of AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday, discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, including in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"Recalling the historical ties that underpin India-UAE ties, both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields. They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in AI," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is attending the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, on behalf of the UAE President.

The landmark event, being held for the first time in Global South, is being attended by several heads of state, Prime Ministers, Presidents, senior officials and key decision-makers in the Artificial Intelligence sector.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi late Wednesday to attend AI Impact Summit. Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani received him at the airport.

While extending a warm welcome to Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, the MEA posted on X, "A warm welcome to HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to the AI Impact Summit. MoS for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani received His Highness on arrival at the airport. India and the UAE are trusted partners in advanced technology working together to advance AI for a smarter and shared future."

PM Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Thursday. While addressing the gathering, PM Modi stated that it was a moment of pride for the Global South that the AI Impact Summit is being hosted in India, while underlining the urgent need for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in a rapidly evolving technological era.

“I welcome you all to the biggest and most historic AI Summit in the world. India, where this summit is going, is a country that represents 1/6th of the world; it is a youth nation, a centre of the world's largest tech pool and tech ecosystem. India makes new technology as well as adopts it,” he said.

“It is a matter of pride for the Global South that the AI summit is being organised in India,” he added.

During his address, an AI-enabled sign language interpretation was displayed in the backdrop, underscoring the practical applications of the technology being discussed at the summit.

--IANS

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Islamabad, Feb 19 (IANS) Pakistan has issued a demarche to the ruling Taliban regime in Afghanistan for allegedly allowing the use of Afghan soil for carrying out a recent attack on security forces in Bajaur district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, local media reported on Thursday.

The demarche was issued when Pakistan's Foreign Office (PFO) summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission. The statement read, "Pakistan condemned in the strongest possible terms the vehicle-borne suicide terrorist attack followed by a fire raid on Pakistan military and law enforcement agencies’ posts in Bajaur, carried out by Fitna al Khawarij [or] the TTP," Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term used by Pakistan for terrorists belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group. PFO said that the group, whose leadership is based in Afghanistan, "operates with impunity from Afghan soil." It said that Afghanistan has given repeated assurances to Pakistan, however, it has taken "no visible or concrete actions," Dawn reported.

According to the statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a terrorist attack was conducted on a checkpost in Bajaur which involved an explosive-laden vehicle, killing 11 security personnel on Monday. According to the statement, 12 terrorists were killed after security forces retaliated.

Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence rejected Pakistan's allegations regarding the attack at a mosque in Islamabad on February 6, terming them "irresponsible and baseless" and urged Pakistani officials to take responsibility for their internal security shortcomings, local media reported.

Afghanistan's statement came after Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, mentioned that preliminary findings indicate that the attacker had been on the move to and from Afghanistan.

In the statement, the Afghan National Defence Ministry said that Asif "immediately and irresponsibly" blamed Afghanistan for the attack without carrying out proper investigations. Afghanistan authorities stated that this pattern was witnessed in the past as well, especially regarding incidents in Balochistan and other security incidents in Pakistan, Afghanistan's Ariana News reported.

The ministry stated that connecting such attacks with Afghanistan "has no logic or foundation", adding that these statements cannot hide the internal security failures of Pakistan or help address the problem. In the statement, the ministry questioned: "If they were truly able to identify the perpetrators immediately after the incident, then why were they unable to prevent it beforehand?”

It expressed its commitment to Islamic values, which do not permit harming innocent civilians under any circumstances and asked Pakistani security officials to take responsibility for their internal security shortcomings, review their policies and implement a more constructive and cooperative approach towards people of Pakistan and neighbouring nations, Ariana News reported.

--IANS

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