President Asif Ali Zardari condemned alleged drone attacks by the Afghan Taliban targeting Pakistani civilian areas. He said the attempt to strike civilians crossed a red line. The warning comes as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan increase.
In a statement from the Presidency, Zardari accused the Afghan Taliban government of supporting militant groups. He said the authorities in Afghanistan were failing to honor commitments not to shelter terrorists. He also warned against provoking Pakistan, a major military power in the Islamic world.
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Zardari said the Taliban administration claims to seek dialogue with Pakistan and friendly countries. However, he stressed that targeting civilians contradicts those claims and escalates tensions. He described the attempted attacks as irresponsible and dangerous actions.
Pakistani security forces earlier said they foiled drone attacks launched by militants from Afghanistan. The incidents reportedly caused debris to fall in cities including Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. Several children and other civilians were injured after drone fragments landed in residential areas.
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The president wished injured civilians a speedy recovery and expressed concern for affected families. He said Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions remain fully committed to defending the country. Zardari also reaffirmed Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and West Asia.