The Taliban regime in Kabul on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 formally rejected Pakistan's accusations that a deadly suicide attack on a police post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was planned on Afghan soil, calling the allegations "baseless" and urging dialogue over confrontation. The rejection came days after the attack killed 15 police personnel and triggered a sharp diplomatic escalation between the two neighbours.

Taliban's Official Response

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid issued the denial in a series of posts on X, stating that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers Pakistan's claims to be without foundation. "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers the recent statements by Pakistani officials, which claimed that the attack on the Bannu police centre was planned in Afghanistan, to be baseless statements and rejects them," Mujahid said.

He reiterated Afghanistan's longstanding position that its territory will not be used against any country. "Instead of accusations and threats and emotional positions, the Islamic Emirate reaffirms its stance once again that the lands of Afghanistan will not be used against any country, and no party will be allowed to carry out activities that could harm the security and stability of the region," he added.

Pakistan's Demarche and Diplomatic Pressure

The Taliban's rebuttal followed a formal diplomatic protest by Pakistan on Monday, 11 May 2026, when Pakistan's Foreign Office summoned the Afghan charge d'affaires and issued a "strong demarche." According to the Foreign Office statement shared on X, the summons was specifically over a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) attack carried out by terrorists of Fitna al Khawarij on the Fateh Khel Police Post in Bannu District on 9 May 2026.

The ministry stated that "a detailed investigation into the incident, along with evidence collected and technical intelligence, indicates that the attack was masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan." Pakistan also reiterated its longstanding concern over the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist operations targeting Pakistani security forces.

What Happened in Bannu

Between Saturday and Sunday night, an armed group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel police checkpoint in Bannu, reducing the structure to rubble in a massive blast. According to police, militants then opened indiscriminate fire from multiple directions following the explosion, resulting in hours of heavy gunfire, further blasts, and widespread panic across the area.

Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan confirmed that a total of 18 police personnel were deployed at the checkpoint at the time of the attack. A militant outfit identified as Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), affiliated with Fitna al Khawarij, reportedly claimed responsibility for the assault, according to Pakistani daily The Express Tribune.

A Deepening Fault Line

The exchange of accusations and denials reflects the deepening mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of harbouring militant groups — particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated outfits — that carry out cross-border attacks. The Taliban has consistently denied providing sanctuary or operational support to these groups. Notably, this is not the first time Islamabad has summoned the Afghan envoy over a terror incident, but the frequency and severity of such incidents have intensified in recent months.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution remain uncertain, and the security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continues to deteriorate.