Kabul statement acknowledges Wana part of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Taliban regime in Kabul has joined other world capitals in condemning the suicide attacks on Cadet College Wana and the Judicial Complex in Islamabad on Tuesday.

In a statement issued later in the day, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deep sorrow and condemnation regarding the explosion in the capital Islamabad as well as the attack on an educational centre in Wana, Pakistan, which has claimed tens of lives and left many wounded.”

Highly placed diplomatic sources told The News/Jang on Tuesday evening that this marks the first time the Taliban regime in Kabul has explicitly acknowledged Wana as part of Pakistan. In the past, the regime had disputed Pakistan’s sovereignty over the former tribal areas by making territorial claims.

The sources further said that the attacks have been widely condemned by global capitals. It is believed that the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegedly backed by elements within Afghanistan, may be behind the recent atrocities.