Pakistan summons Afghan diplomat after deadly suicide attack on police

Monday 11 May 2026 - 14:45

Pakistan summoned the senior Afghan diplomat in Islamabad following a deadly suicide attack targeting a police checkpoint in the northwestern city of Bannu, according to Pakistani authorities.

The assault, which occurred in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, reportedly began when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-filled vehicle at a police control point. Armed militants then launched a coordinated attack on security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 police officers.

Pakistani officials stated that the attack involved advanced tactics, including the use of small drones and heavy weapons. Local authorities estimated that more than 100 attackers may have participated in the operation.

Following an initial investigation, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry claimed that evidence suggested the assault had been organized by militants operating from inside Afghanistan. Islamabad officially conveyed its concerns to the Afghan chargé d’affaires and called for stronger action against armed groups allegedly using Afghan territory as a base.

Authorities in Kabul have repeatedly denied accusations that Afghanistan shelters militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. However, tensions between the two neighboring countries have increased in recent years due to cross-border violence and security concerns.

The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has frequently witnessed bombings, armed assaults, and insurgent activity linked to groups opposed to the Pakistani government. The unstable security situation along the frontier continues to challenge relations between Islamabad and Kabul.