Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid an important visit to the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where he was given an extensive briefing by Pakistan’s top military leadership regarding the ongoing security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This visit comes amid heightened tensions following Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, a robust military campaign aimed at countering incursions and hostile activities by the Afghan Taliban and their allied groups.
During his meeting at GHQ, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s firm stance of zero tolerance towards the alliance between Fitna al-Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban regime. He condemned their provocations and cross-border attacks, emphasizing that such hostile actions against Pakistan’s sovereignty are entirely unacceptable and will be met with decisive responses. His remarks reflected the government’s commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining peace along the volatile border regions.
Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the professionalism and operational capabilities of the Pakistan Armed Forces, led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, along with the Chiefs of Defence Services. He praised their swift and effective response to the Taliban’s aggression, highlighting that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its territorial integrity against any form of external threat. The Prime Minister reiterated that the entire nation stands united behind the armed forces in their mission to protect the homeland from destabilizing elements.
The military operation, named Ghazab-lil-Haq, has reportedly inflicted significant damage on the Afghan Taliban regime’s forces. Official figures reveal that over 274 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 400 wounded during the campaign. Additionally, the operation successfully dismantled 74 Taliban posts and destroyed 115 tanks and armored vehicles, severely crippling the militant group’s operational capabilities along the border.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), provided a detailed briefing on the operation’s progress. He explained that on the nights of February 21 and 22, Pakistani forces launched targeted strikes against hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij near the border areas. These locations had been exploited by the Afghan Taliban regime as bases to orchestrate attacks against Pakistani territory.
The DG ISPR further detailed that the confrontations took place across 53 different sites spanning 15 sectors along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistani forces successfully repelled all attacks, delivering a powerful and globally noted counterstrike that underscored Pakistan’s military resolve. This operation has sent a clear message that any aggression will be met with overwhelming force.
In addition to ground operations, the Pakistan Air Force conducted precision air strikes during the night targeting Taliban installations in key Afghan provinces such as Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Nangarhar. These strikes reportedly destroyed brigade and corps headquarters, ammunition depots, and logistics hubs critical to Taliban operations. While Taliban sources acknowledged explosions in some areas, they denied any casualties, a claim that remains unverified.
On the border front, Pakistani troops captured five strategic Afghan posts in Paktia province, directly opposite South Waziristan. These included positions near Shawal, Angoor Adda, and Zarmalan, with the Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda reportedly demolished. Intense fighting was also reported in other border sectors including Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan, and Kurram, where several Taliban checkpoints were destroyed. Pakistani forces also shot down quadcopter drones allegedly deployed by militants against their positions.
Unfortunately, the conflict has also impacted civilians. In Bajaur, mortar shelling resulted in injuries to five civilians, including three women, and caused damage to a local mosque. The wounded were promptly taken to Khar Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have reiterated that the nationwide ban on drone flights remains strictly enforced until the security situation stabilizes, with clear directives issued to all provincial administrations to ensure compliance.
This operation and the Prime Minister’s visit highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain security along the western border amid complex regional dynamics. The firm coordination between civilian leadership and the military underscores Pakistan’s resolve to counter threats and protect its citizens from militant aggression emanating from across the border.
