Malafide Projection of Taliban Regime’s Baseless Accusations by Reuters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has questioned a Reuters report that cited the Afghan Taliban regime as saying that fighters killed in recent clashes in Nuristan had crossed into Afghanistan from Pakistan, saying there was no evidence establishing that the individuals were Pakistani nationals or that Islamabad was involved.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said on September 27 that its forces had killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in Nuristan after a group it said included Islamic State militants crossed from Pakistan. The ministry also alleged that Pakistani militias had supported the fighters.

Pakistan rejected the allegations as “frivolous” and “baseless”, according to Pakistani media reports, and denied that its security forces or intelligence agencies were involved in the Nuristan clashes or had recruited or trained former Afghan security personnel.

Questions Raised Over Identities of Those Killed

The Pakistani response questioned the basis for identifying the individuals involved as Pakistani nationals.

It pointed to photographs circulated by the Afghan Taliban regime and argued that the appearance and clothing of those shown did not, in Pakistan’s view, establish that they were fighters who had recently crossed from Pakistan into remote mountainous areas.

The response also questioned whether the individuals could have been Afghan nationals or civilians. These possibilities have not been independently established, and there is no verified evidence publicly available to confirm how the individuals died or where they were held before the clashes.

Pakistan said that if any of those killed were Pakistani nationals, evidence establishing their identity should be presented.

Islamabad Questions Basis of Reuters Report

The Pakistani response also questioned why the Reuters report linked the fighters to Pakistan on the basis of statements from the Afghan Taliban authorities without publicly presenting independent evidence of their nationality or alleged Pakistani support.

Reuters reported the Afghan defence ministry’s allegations and noted that Pakistan’s military and information ministry had not immediately responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Pakistan subsequently rejected the allegations and said terrorist activity originating from Afghan territory was a well-documented security concern.

Islamabad Points to Cross-Border Militancy

The Pakistani position also highlighted its longstanding allegations that militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operate from Afghan territory.

Pakistan has repeatedly attributed attacks inside the country to militants based in Afghanistan, while the Afghan Taliban regime has rejected allegations that it provides sanctuary or support to groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. The dispute remains a major source of tension between the two countries.

Pakistan has also pointed to the recent escalation in cross-border violence as evidence of the wider security challenge. Reuters reported that Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan on September 21, saying 28 militants were killed, while Afghan Taliban authorities and the UN reported civilian deaths from the strikes.

Fighting Continues in Eastern Afghanistan

The Nuristan incident comes amid broader fighting involving the Afghan Taliban regime and armed groups in eastern Afghanistan.

Accounts of recent clashes have differed significantly, with opposing sides providing different figures and descriptions of the fighting. Independent verification of many battlefield claims remains difficult because of limited access to the affected areas.

Pakistan has called for evidence-based reporting on cross-border security incidents and has rejected allegations that it supports armed groups operating inside Afghanistan.

The continuing disagreement over the identities and affiliations of fighters in Nuristan reflects the wider dispute between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy, armed groups and security cooperation.