Pakistan has confirmed that its recent cross-border military operations were carried out strictly as acts of self-defence, aimed at protecting its population from imminent terrorist threats. The Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, emphasized that these strikes were intelligence-driven and carefully targeted, focusing on seven specific militant camps and hideouts located along the volatile Pakistan–Afghanistan border region. This operation was a direct response to a series of repeated attacks and provocations, particularly those targeting law enforcement officials and civilians in Pakistan’s frontier areas.
These overnight strikes primarily targeted militant positions in the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan, where Pakistani officials claim more than 80 militants were eliminated. Andrabi highlighted that the operation was conducted with precision and proportionality, ensuring that utmost care was taken to minimize any collateral damage to innocent civilians. He urged observers to consider Pakistan’s actions within the broader context of ongoing international concerns, including the United Nations Security Council’s repeated condemnations of terrorist attacks against Pakistan. One such attack referenced was the tragic assault on an imambargah in Islamabad on February 6, which underscored the urgent need for decisive counterterrorism measures.
In addition to defending the strikes, Islamabad rejected criticism from various quarters, particularly accusations linking Pakistan to cross-border militancy. The spokesperson accused India of supporting militant groups that operate against Pakistan’s interests. Andrabi asserted that Pakistan holds substantial evidence pointing to Indian involvement in sponsoring terrorism, and he cited recent statements from India’s Ministry of External Affairs as further confirmation of this troubling pattern. He made it clear that Pakistan remains prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any future threats, while simultaneously reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. He also called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to take responsibility for preventing militant activities originating from Afghan soil.
Furthermore, Andrabi expressed Islamabad’s disappointment over the prolonged lack of justice in the 2007 bombing that claimed the lives of 68 people, including 44 Pakistani nationals. Marking the 19th anniversary of this tragic incident, Pakistan reiterated its demand for a fair and transparent trial of those responsible. The Foreign Office criticized what it described as India’s systemic efforts to shield the accused from accountability, highlighting ongoing concerns about cross-border terrorism and impunity. Andrabi also voiced apprehension regarding the strengthening defence relationship between India and Israel, suggesting that these developments could further complicate regional security dynamics.
In closing, the spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s vigilance and readiness to defend its sovereignty against any form of aggression. The recent strikes serve as a clear message that Pakistan will not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its citizens and national interests. At the same time, Islamabad continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence and urges all regional actors to contribute to a stable and secure environment.
