Pakistan's patience is 'obviously not unlimited', said the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, in his weekly press briefing while answering a question on if Pakistan has lost patience diplomatically with Afghanistan.

"My emphasis on dialogue diplomacy on this issue was in the context of broader relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan - our ties, the fact that we share history, we share culture, ethnic and linguistic links. So, talk of dialogue and diplomacy is in those contexts. However, when it comes to attacks against Pakistan, when it comes to the killing of innocent civilians, a little child that was martyred in Bajaur, seven other women and children, in response to those attacks, what do you expect from us? Our patience is obviously not unlimited," said Andrabi. 

The remarks followed a coordinated assault by the proscribed Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on February 16 in the southwestern district of Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, targeting a religious seminary used by security forces, leading to 13 casualties, including civilians.

According to a statement issued earlier by the Foreign Office, Pakistan recorded its protest with the Deputy Head of Mission of Afghanistan in Islamabad after the deadly attack.

"The Afghan Taliban regime has also been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond and eliminate any Khwarij [a term the state of Pakistan uses to refer to the Pakistani Taliban] belonging to the group along with their affiliates, wherever they are located, to ensure the safety of its soldiers, civilians and territorial boundaries," the statement added.

Over the past several years, bilateral relations between Islamabad and Kabul have sharply deteriorated. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan territory of serving as a launching pad for local and transnational militant outfits, allegations denied by the Afghan Taliban, who have urged Pakistan to address "its own mess."

Earlier this week, the Taliban released three Pakistani soldiers ahead of Ramadan, handing them over to a Saudi delegation. According to a statement from Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the release was carried out in line with the Taliban's policy of maintaining positive relations with all countries. The soldiers had been captured during a clash with Pakistani forces on October 12.

The release coincided with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan and a Saudi delegation's visit to Kabul on Monday for official talks and diplomatic engagement with the Afghan negotiation team. Responding to a question about the release, Andrabi said, "We await confirmation."

When asked whether Saudi Arabia played a mediation role and whether the soldiers were released at the request of Saudi authorities or the Saudi Embassy, Andrabi said Pakistan values the "positive role of our brotherly countries" and "important OIC Islamic countries" in conveying messages to the Taliban leadership, reminding them of their obligations under international law to ensure their territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

"I understand such an exchange may have also taken place between Riyadh and Kabul. So, to the extent of this advocacy, yes, we welcome and support the role of not just Saudi Arabia, but all other brotherly countries who are actually advocating for peace and diplomacy, and to ensure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan," he stated.