Federal Minister for Information, Ataullah Tarar, has firmly stated that Pakistan’s recent military operations in Afghanistan were strictly aimed at militant strongholds and did not involve attacks on civilian areas. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Tarar emphasized that the actions taken by Pakistan were based on accurate and actionable intelligence, ensuring that only terrorist infrastructure and their support networks were targeted.
He categorically rejected allegations suggesting that civilian populations were harmed during these operations. Tarar highlighted that Pakistan’s military strategy is carefully designed to avoid collateral damage, underscoring the country’s commitment to respecting civilian lives even while combating terrorism. This clarification comes amid rising tensions and conflicting narratives regarding cross-border strikes.
Furthermore, the information minister dismissed the figures released by the Afghan Taliban government concerning casualties, labeling them as fabricated and lacking credibility. He described the claims made by the Afghan Ministry of Defence spokesperson about purported battlefield victories over Pakistan as nothing more than propaganda aimed at misleading the public and international observers.
Adding more context to the ongoing conflict, Ataullah Tarar revealed that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq resulted in the elimination of 527 Taliban fighters, marking a significant blow to militant capabilities in the region. He also addressed reports from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) that suggested civilian casualties, stating that the UN agency’s data is heavily reliant on information provided by the Taliban administration, which he questioned due to its close ties with terrorist groups.
Tarar further pointed out the evident collaboration between the Afghan Taliban and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), describing it as a clear nexus that facilitates terrorist activities from Afghan soil. He stressed that Pakistan has consistently responded to attacks originating from Afghanistan with precision and resolve, targeting not only militants but also their facilitators and military bases linked to the Afghan Taliban.
In conclusion, the minister reiterated Pakistan’s stance on maintaining national security while avoiding harm to innocent civilians. He urged the international community to critically evaluate the information disseminated by the Taliban government and to recognize Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism within the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.
