Pakistan’s military has issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban leadership, demanding a definitive stance on whether they will support terrorist factions or maintain peaceful relations with Pakistan. This declaration coincides with the release of detailed information about the ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, a robust military campaign targeting militant strongholds along the volatile Pak-Afghan border.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), addressed the media to clarify Pakistan’s unwavering position. He emphasized that the Afghan Taliban regime must make a clear and unambiguous choice: either align with Pakistan or side with terrorist organizations such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Daesh, and Al-Qaeda. The military spokesperson underscored that Pakistan’s stance has remained consistent and resolute throughout this period of heightened tensions.
In response to queries about coordination between the armed forces and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lt-Gen Chaudhry highlighted a rare national consensus on the issue of militancy. Despite political differences, all political factions in Pakistan are united in their rejection of terrorism and its facilitation within the country. He pointed out that the National Action Plan, a comprehensive counterterrorism framework, was developed with the agreement of all political parties and continues to enjoy broad-based support across the political spectrum.
During the briefing, the military also brought to light the role of India in fomenting unrest within Pakistan. Lt-Gen Chaudhry asserted that there is clear evidence linking Indian agencies to the sponsorship and orchestration of terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil. He stated that militants operating from Afghan territory are allegedly supported and directed by Indian interests, further complicating the security landscape. The DG ISPR accused the Afghan Taliban regime of providing a safe haven and operational base for these hostile activities, intensifying Pakistan’s security challenges along its western border.
Issuing a firm warning, the military spokesperson declared that any location used to plan or facilitate attacks against Pakistan would be considered a legitimate target for military action. He stressed that not only the terrorists but also those who harbor and protect them would face consequences, signaling a continuation of cross-border counterterrorism operations if necessary. This hardline stance reflects Islamabad’s determination to eliminate threats to its sovereignty and security.
Providing updated figures from Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, Lt-Gen Chaudhry revealed that Pakistani forces have killed 274 fighters affiliated with the Afghan Taliban regime, while over 400 others have been wounded. These numbers are based on battlefield assessments and intelligence reports gathered during the operation. The military has successfully destroyed 73 enemy posts and captured 18, significantly degrading the militants’ operational capabilities. Additionally, an estimated 115 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery units belonging to opposing forces have been neutralized.
The DG ISPR highlighted the precision and effectiveness of the military’s response, noting that key targets such as battalion and sector headquarters, gun emplacements, and tank positions were systematically eliminated. The operation focused on 22 strategic locations across Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. These sites included core command centers, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs critical to the Afghan Taliban’s military infrastructure.
Lt-Gen Chaudhry emphasized that all targets were selected with great care to minimize civilian casualties. He dismissed claims circulating in Afghan and Indian-linked media alleging damage to civilian infrastructure as misinformation. the military, the strikes were exclusively aimed at military objectives directly involved in launching attacks against Pakistan, underscoring the disciplined approach taken during the operation.
In addition to ground operations, the DG ISPR disclosed attempts by rudimentary drones launched from Afghan territory targeting Pakistani cities such as Sibi, Abbottabad, and Nowshera. These aerial threats were successfully intercepted and neutralized by Pakistan’s anti-drone defense systems. The military spokesperson linked these drone attacks to the Afghan Taliban regime’s role as a “master proxy,” blurring the lines between the regime itself and terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan.
Addressing Pakistani casualties, Lt-Gen Chaudhry confirmed that 12 soldiers have been martyred while defending the country’s borders, with 27 others wounded and one soldier still missing in action. Despite these losses, the military’s response was described as swift, decisive, and forceful. The DG ISPR also acknowledged the strong support from the Pakistani public, which continues to bolster the armed forces’ morale and resolve amid ongoing security challenges.
Maintaining a high state of alert across all sensitive sectors, Pakistan’s military remains prepared to counter any future aggression from either its eastern or western frontiers. The armed forces have reiterated their commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations wherever threats emerge. Meanwhile, authorities have extended enforcement measures such as the nationwide drone ban, which will remain in effect until the security situation stabilizes. Implementation directives have already been issued to all provincial administrations to ensure comprehensive compliance.
