Pakistan Requests Afghanistan to Extradite Perpetrators of Terror Attack Killing Chinese Nationals

Pakistan has officially requested Afghanistan to extradite the suspects involved in a terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals alongside their Pakistani driver. This incident occurred in the Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26. Investigations conducted by Pakistan have traced the origins of this attack back to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from within Afghanistan.

During a weekly press briefing, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Office, confirmed that Pakistani officials, in a recent meeting held in Kabul with the Afghan Interim Government, demanded the handover of those responsible for orchestrating the March 26 Besham attack. Baloch affirmed that Pakistan had shared its investigative findings with Afghanistan and sought cooperation in apprehending the culprits.

The Afghan authorities have pledged not to allow their territory to be used for terrorist activities and agreed to review Pakistan's investigation outcomes. They expressed their willingness to collaborate with Pakistan to bring the investigation to a conclusive end. Baloch emphasized Pakistan's dedication to combating terrorism and its perpetrators, highlighting the sacrifices made by law enforcement and security personnel.

She further stated that terrorism poses a threat not only to Afghanistan but also to Pakistan and the broader region. It is crucial, she noted, for actions to be taken against terrorist groups and their backers to ensure peace and security for all affected communities.

On special instructions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha visited Kabul for discussions with Muhammad Nabi Omari, the Interim Afghan Deputy Minister for Interior. The focus of this meeting was on the Besham terror attack, where Agha shared Pakistan's findings and requested Afghanistan's assistance in capturing those responsible.

The Afghan side reiterated its commitment to preventing its land from being used as a base for terrorist attacks against other nations, including Pakistan. They agreed to scrutinize the investigative findings from Pakistan and resolved to cooperate in bringing the investigation to a logical end. Both parties have agreed to maintain engagement in confronting terrorism and addressing mutual concerns.