In a significant escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the Pakistani military has reported the elimination of over 270 fighters affiliated with the Afghan Taliban and other terrorist organizations. This development comes as Islamabad intensifies its counterterrorism operations under the banner of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure and curbing cross-border attacks. The military’s spokesperson has issued a stern ultimatum to the Afghan Taliban regime, demanding a decisive stance on whether it will align itself with Pakistan or continue to harbor and support terrorist groups.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), addressed the media to provide an extensive update on the ongoing military campaign and the broader security situation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s position has remained firm and consistent over time, underscoring the necessity for the Afghan Taliban to make a clear choice. The military official highlighted that the Taliban must decide if it will sever ties with groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Daesh, and Al-Qaeda, or risk further confrontation with Pakistan.
Expanding on this, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry stated, “The Afghan Taliban regime faces a critical crossroads: either distance itself from terrorist organizations or face the consequences of continued support for these groups.” This message reflects Islamabad’s growing impatience with what it describes as the Taliban’s ambiguous stance and alleged complicity in cross-border militancy. The military’s warning comes amid rising tensions following a series of coordinated attacks that Islamabad attributes to militants operating from Afghan soil.
Addressing concerns about political coordination within Pakistan, the DG ISPR dispelled doubts regarding the alignment of provincial governments, including the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the federal military strategy. He affirmed that despite political differences, there exists a unanimous national consensus against terrorism. “Regardless of political affiliations or viewpoints, all parties are united in rejecting terrorism and any form of its facilitation within Pakistan,” he remarked. He further recalled the National Action Plan, a comprehensive counterterrorism framework endorsed by all political factions, which continues to guide Pakistan’s anti-militancy efforts.
During the briefing, the military also drew attention to the alleged role of India in fomenting unrest within Pakistan. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry accused Indian agencies of sponsoring and orchestrating terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, asserting that there is a clear and tangible link between militant incidents and Indian involvement. He pointed out that militants receive support and operate from Afghan territory, which is under the control of the Afghan Taliban regime. This allegation adds another layer of complexity to the already strained regional dynamics and underscores Islamabad’s concerns about external interference in its internal security.
The DG ISPR issued a firm warning regarding Pakistan’s future response to terrorism, stressing that any location used as a base for planning or executing attacks against Pakistan would be considered a legitimate military target. He stated, “Wherever terrorists and their protectors operate, no place will remain safe from our response.” This declaration signals Pakistan’s readiness to continue cross-border counterterrorism operations if necessary, aiming to dismantle militant networks regardless of their geographical location.
Providing detailed figures from Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry revealed that Pakistani forces have killed 274 fighters linked to the Afghan Taliban regime, with over 400 others wounded. These numbers are based on battlefield assessments and represent a significant blow to militant capabilities. The operation has also resulted in the destruction of 73 enemy posts and the capture of 18 strategic positions. Additionally, Pakistani forces reportedly neutralized approximately 115 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery pieces belonging to opposing forces, demonstrating the precision and effectiveness of the military’s response.
The military spokesperson elaborated that the operation targeted 22 key locations across several Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika. These sites were selected based on actionable intelligence and included vital Taliban command centers, brigade and battalion headquarters, sector command facilities, ammunition depots, and logistics hubs. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry emphasized that great care was taken to avoid civilian casualties, dismissing claims circulated by Afghan and Indian-linked media outlets that civilian infrastructure had been damaged. He reiterated that all strikes were focused exclusively on military objectives directly involved in attacks against Pakistan.
In addition to ground operations, the DG ISPR disclosed attempts by militants to use rudimentary drones launched from Afghan territory targeting Pakistani cities such as Sibi, Abbottabad, and Nowshera. Pakistan’s advanced anti-drone systems successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats. This development highlights the evolving tactics employed by militant groups and the Afghan Taliban regime’s role as a “master proxy,” blurring the lines between state authority and terrorism. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry remarked on the difficulty in distinguishing where the Taliban regime ends and terrorist activities begin, reflecting the complex security challenges Pakistan faces along its western border.
Despite the successes of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, Pakistan has suffered casualties. The military confirmed that 12 soldiers lost their lives defending the country’s territorial integrity, while 27 others were injured, and one soldier remains missing in action. The DG ISPR praised the armed forces’ swift and decisive response to aggression, describing it as “effective, immediate, and brutal.” He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Pakistani public, noting that the military draws strength and resolve from the nation’s solidarity.
Looking ahead, the military spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remains on high alert across all sensitive sectors and is fully prepared to counter any future threats. Counterterrorism operations will persist wherever militant activity is detected, and enforcement measures such as the nationwide drone ban will continue until the security situation stabilizes. Provincial authorities have been instructed to rigorously implement these directives to ensure the safety and security of the country.
