Bannu: The Afghan Taliban regime's patronage of terrorist elements continues to undermine efforts for peace and stability in the region.

According to Radio Pakistan, the suicide attack on a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu has been traced to Kharji Hafiz Gul Bahadur, who is based in Afghanistan. The responsibility for the suicide attack in Bannu has been claimed by a sub-group of Fitna al Khawarij, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, which is affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of Fitna al Khawarij.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group is using Afghanistan's soil to orchestrate acts of terrorism and subversion inside Pakistan. Security sources further stated that the same group had carried out an attack on Bannu Cantonment on March 4 last year during the holy month of Ramadan, adding that the assault was also planned from across the border in Afghanistan.

They further mentioned that the continued presence of Hafiz Gul Bahadur and other senior leaders of Fitna al Khawarij in Afghanistan serves as evidence that Afghan territory is being used to facilitate terrorist activities.