In a decisive military response to recent unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban, Pakistan has launched a large-scale operation named ‘Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.’ The Pakistan Army swiftly retaliated against the cross-border attacks, successfully eliminating 133 Taliban militants and inflicting injuries on over 200 others. This operation underscores Islamabad’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and ensuring the security of its citizens along the volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The armed forces have not only neutralized a significant number of militants but also destroyed 27 Taliban posts and captured nine others during the operation. The counter-offensive included the destruction of more than 36 enemy tanks, artillery guns, and armored personnel carriers (APCs), forcing the Afghan Taliban to retreat and abandon several strategic positions and hideouts. The Pakistan Air Force played a crucial role by conducting precision airstrikes that demolished key Taliban battalion and sector headquarters, as well as ammunition depots. In a symbolic gesture of reclaiming control, Pakistani forces hoisted the national flag at seven former Taliban posts.
Elaborating on the military campaign, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson on foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, confirmed that multiple rounds of counter-strikes have been authorized and executed in response to the Taliban’s initial attacks. He detailed that 72 militants were killed and over 120 wounded during these operations, with sixteen Taliban posts destroyed and seven captured. The spokesperson further emphasized the destruction of a large ammunition depot along with battalion and sector headquarters, highlighting the scale and effectiveness of the Pakistani military’s response.
Security officials revealed that the Afghan Taliban attempted to use quadcopters as part of their offensive, but Pakistani forces successfully intercepted and shot down all unmanned aerial vehicles. The military has been conducting targeted strikes against Taliban positions, ensuring minimal collateral damage while maintaining pressure on the militants. However, following their battlefield setbacks, the Taliban have reportedly shifted tactics by launching attacks on civilian populations, raising concerns over the safety of border communities.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar echoed the government’s firm stance, reiterating that Pakistan will continue to respond decisively to any acts of aggression. He accused the Afghan Taliban regime of resorting to propaganda and misinformation to mask their defeat, dismissing their claims as baseless and aimed at salvaging their tarnished image. Tarar stressed that Pakistan’s security forces have delivered a crushing blow to the militants and will maintain vigilance to prevent any further incursions.
Meanwhile, the situation has drawn international attention, with global powers urging restraint amid rising tensions. Despite Pakistan’s superior military capabilities, the Taliban’s experience in guerrilla warfare, honed over decades of conflict, presents a complex challenge. Previous clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October had been resolved through diplomatic efforts involving Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Recently, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministers held talks aimed at reducing hostilities, though details on any ceasefire agreements remain undisclosed. Russia, the only country to officially recognize the Taliban government, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and expressed willingness to mediate if requested by both parties.
Since launching airstrikes earlier this week targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State militants in eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan has remained on high alert. Kabul and the United Nations condemned these strikes for causing civilian casualties, with reports indicating 13 civilians were killed. The Taliban have warned of a strong retaliatory response, heightening fears of escalating violence. In response, Punjab province authorities have intensified security operations, detaining 90 Afghan nationals suspected of militant links and preparing for potential attacks on urban centers.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the armed forces’ readiness and capability to counter any threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty. Addressing the recent cross-border firing incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he emphasized that the nation and its military stand united in protecting the country’s peace and territorial integrity. The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan’s forces are fully equipped and determined to neutralize any aggressive designs against the country.
Political leaders across Pakistan have voiced strong condemnation of the Afghan Taliban’s actions. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding hospitality towards millions of Afghan refugees, lamenting Afghanistan’s perceived ingratitude and proxy role for India. Similarly, MQM Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui accused the Afghan Taliban of acting as an Indian proxy, attacking Pakistan’s border areas with the intent to destabilize the region. Parliamentary Secretary for Information Barrister Daniyal Chaudhary pointed out the presence of banned militant outfits operating from Afghan soil, underscoring Pakistan’s right to defend itself and its pursuit of regional stability.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also praised the Pakistani military’s swift and effective response to the Taliban aggression, saluting the armed forces for their bravery and decisive action. She condemned the Taliban’s attacks as cowardly and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the security of Pakistan’s borders and citizens.
As tensions continue to simmer along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the government and military remain vigilant, prepared to take further action to counter any threats. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq stands as a testament to Pakistan’s resolve to maintain peace and stability in the region while firmly responding to any violations of its sovereignty.
