ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has the right under international law to defend itself against attacks originating from Afghanistan, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer said on Monday, while stressing the need for dialogue and regional stability. Speaking during a visit to Islamabad to discuss security concerns with senior Pakistani officials, the British official noted that any country facing cross-border threats was entitled to protect its citizens within the framework of international law. The remarks came amid rising tensions and recent incidents of violence that Pakistani authorities say were linked to terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.