Pakistan Urges Taliban to Take Decisive Actions Against Dera Ismail Khan Attacker

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Taliban to take "decisive action" against the culprit of the suicide attack in Dera Ismail Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, said that the Taliban should handover the perpetrators of the attack along with the leadership of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to Islamabad.

In a press conference on Thursday, Baloch stated, "We have noted the Taliban interim government statement that it will investigate the terrorist attack of December 12."

Amidst escalating security concerns in Pakistan, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced another suicide attack on Tuesday, December 12. The Pakistani army has confirmed that 23 soldiers lost their lives in the incident.

Tehreek-e-Jihad of Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Following the deadly attack, Pakistan's foreign ministry issued a statement calling for “immediate and verifiable action" by the Taliban against militant groups.

In response to Pakistan's request, the Taliban promised to investigate the terrorist attack, but also asked Islamabad to refrain from blaming Kabul for any problems.

In response to the deadly attack in Dera Ismail Khan, the Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that the attack has nothing to do with Afghanistan.

Mujahid stated that they will consider Pakistan's demands, but at the same time, he asked Pakistan to strengthen its security instead of pointing fingers at Afghanistan.

In the press conference, Mumtaz also welcomed the UN Security Council’s message of sympathy and condolences regarding the attack.

According to her, UNSC members have emphasised the necessity to hold responsible the assailants, sponsors, and facilitators of the attack.