Pakistani security forces successfully repelled an attempted assault by Afghan Taliban fighters in the Gulistan sector along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in the deaths of several Taliban members during a retaliatory operation. The forces responded swiftly to the aggression, inflicting significant casualties on the militants, with intermittent exchanges of gunfire continuing in the area.
Authorities remain on high alert and maintain vigilance along the border to prevent further incursions. This confrontation follows Pakistan’s recent precision aerial and drone strikes targeting 10 locations within Afghanistan, which were carried out in retaliation to Taliban-launched drone attacks earlier this week.
In a related development, Pakistani forces intercepted and shot down eight drones that had crossed into its airspace from Afghanistan. Four of these drones were downed near the Torkham border, while the others were neutralized in mountainous terrain close to Kohat.
While Pakistan emphasizes its commitment to regional peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that this stance should not be perceived as weakness or unlimited tolerance for hostile acts. He asserted that Pakistan will resolutely defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens’ lives, taking all necessary measures against any further provocations by the Afghan Taliban.
Since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a notable increase in cross-border terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has consistently urged Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory as a base for attacks within Pakistan. However, Pakistan maintains that the Taliban authorities have not taken sufficient action against these groups, a claim Kabul disputes.
In February 2026, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, several months after both countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025 following clashes along multiple border points. Despite numerous rounds of dialogue, Islamabad and Kabul have yet to resolve their differences, with the presence of militant organizations operating from Afghan soil remaining a significant source of tension between the two nations.
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