Afghan Taliban Mortar Strike Injures Five Pakistani Civilians Including Children in South Waziristan

WANA, South Waziristan - A mortar shell fired by Afghan Taliban terrorists struck the border area of Angoor Adda in Lower South Waziristan on Tuesday, landing inside the home of a local resident and injuring five Pakistani civilians, including young children.

The attack, which originated from across the internationally recognized Durand Line, once again demonstrates the threat posed by terrorist elements operating freely from Afghan soil. The injured were quickly transported to District Headquarters Hospital Wana, where they are receiving medical treatment.

Attack on Civilian Household

According to security officials and local sources, the mortar shell was fired from the Afghan side of the border into the Pakistani village of Angoor Adda. The projectile landed directly in the courtyard of a house belonging to a resident named Rahmatullah.

The explosion resulted in injuries to five family members, including minor children. The injured were identified as:

• Rahmatullah (homeowner)

• Multiple children whose names are being withheld by authorities

All five victims were rushed to DHQ Hospital Wana, where medical staff report that they are in stable condition. Hospital administration has confirmed that necessary medical care is being provided at state expense.

Pakistan's Restraint Despite Provocation

Despite repeated cross-border attacks by Afghan-based terrorist groups, Pakistan has exercised maximum restraint in its response, prioritizing diplomatic engagement and border management over military escalation. The government remains committed to peace and regional stability, even as Pakistani civilians continue to suffer from unprovoked aggression.

Security officials note that the Afghan interim authorities have failed to fulfill their commitments under the Doha Agreement and subsequent bilateral understandings to prevent the use of Afghan territory for attacks against neighboring countries.

A Pattern of Cross-Border Aggression

This latest incident is not isolated. Pakistan has repeatedly documented:

• Mortar and artillery strikes originating from Afghan territory

• Movement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists across the border

• Afghan-based groups targeting Pakistani border security posts and civilian areas

The Angoor Adda area has historically been a flashpoint, with terrorist elements using the rugged terrain to launch attacks before retreating back across the border with impunity.

Pakistan Calls for Afghan Accountability

The government of Pakistan has called on Afghanistan's interim authorities to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and take concrete action to prevent future cross-border attacks. Pakistan also reiterates its demand that Afghan soil not be used for terrorist activities against any neighboring country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to lodge a formal protest with Afghan counterparts through established diplomatic and military communication channels.

Civilian Casualties Unacceptable

Pakistan has consistently maintained that attacks on civilians are violations of international law and basic human rights. The targeting of a household with children is particularly egregious and underscores the terrorist nature of those who fired the mortar.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir have both previously stated that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to any act of aggression in self-defense. However, Islamabad continues to prioritize dialogue and border management mechanisms to de-escalate tensions.

Local Community Demands Action

Residents of Lower South Waziristan have expressed outrage over the incident, demanding that the government take stronger measures to protect border communities. Tribal elders have called for increased security deployments along the frontier and urged the international community to pressure Afghan authorities to honor their counterterrorism commitments.

Looking Ahead

As the five injured Pakistanis recover in DHQ Hospital Wana, the nation watches with concern. Pakistan has sacrificed more than any other country in the global war on terrorism, and its civilian population continues to pay the price for the international community's failure to ensure Afghanistan does not remain a safe haven for terrorist groups.

The government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending every inch of Pakistani territory and every Pakistani citizen. Those who target innocent civilians will be held accountable, whether they operate from within Pakistan or across its borders.