Last Updated:
A deadly suicide bombing struck a mosque inside the Police Lines complex in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, just hours after the Taliban warning

Mujahid emphasised that escalating security challenges within Pakistan—specifically the rise of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) violence and unrest in Balochistan—are purely internal matters. File pic/AP
In a sharp escalation of cross-border rhetoric, the Afghan Taliban has issued a stern warning to Islamabad, promising a “deadly and crushing response” should Pakistani forces violate Afghanistan’s territorial integrity under the pretext of counter-terrorism operations. The statement, delivered by Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, directly challenges Pakistan’s self-defence justifications for potential cross-border military action.
Firmly rejecting claims that Afghan soil is being utilised to stage cross-border strikes, Mujahid emphasised that escalating security challenges within Pakistan—specifically the rise of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) violence and unrest in Balochistan—are purely internal matters. He urged Islamabad to address its domestic security crisis internally rather than projecting blame outward or attempting unilateral military incursions into Afghan territory.
Underscoring the extreme volatility along the border region, a deadly suicide bombing struck a mosque inside the Police Lines complex in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, just hours after the Taliban spokesman’s warning. The powerful blast collapsed portions of the building during Friday prayers, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens injured alongside an exchange of gunfire with armed attackers at the compound.
The timing of the Kohat attack highlights the deepening security spiral and fracturing diplomatic ties between the two neighbours. As Islamabad faces mounting domestic pressure over militant strikes, Kabul’s uncompromising stance against border violations signals that any unilateral action by Pakistani forces risks igniting a direct military confrontation along the Durand Line.
Quick Answers
The Afghan Taliban warned Islamabad against territorial violations under the guise of counter-terrorism operations, stating that security challenges like TTP violence and Balochistan unrest are purely internal Pakistani matters that should not prompt unilateral cross-border incursions into Afghanistan.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18
September 18, 2026, 8:29 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]