In a decisive response to unprovoked attacks along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Pakistan’s armed forces have eliminated at least 274 Taliban regime personnel and affiliated terrorists, the military’s chief spokesperson. The announcement came during a detailed briefing on Friday, where the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, outlined the scope and impact of the retaliatory operations launched by Pakistan.
Lt Gen Chaudhry explained that the military’s counteroffensive was triggered after the Afghan Taliban regime initiated aggressive firing across multiple sectors along the border. The Pakistani forces responded with precision strikes targeting terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan on the nights of February 21 and 22. The ISPR chief emphasized that the Taliban used the initial situation as a pretext to launch what he described as a “so-called action,” but Pakistan’s response was swift and overwhelming.
The clashes unfolded across 15 sectors along the frontier, with fighting reported at 53 different locations. Key areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) such as Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur witnessed intense exchanges of fire. Pakistani troops successfully repelled all attacks, ensuring the security of the border regions. The military’s retaliation included not only ground operations but also air strikes carried out by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) targeting strategic Taliban positions in Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia provinces.
Sharing further operational details, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that the Pakistani forces destroyed over 74 Taliban posts and seized 18 checkposts along the border. The offensive also resulted in the destruction of 115 enemy tanks and armored vehicles, significantly degrading the Taliban’s military capabilities. Additionally, 22 hideouts belonging to terror groups Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were targeted and eliminated during the operation. Many militants fled the combat zones, abandoning the bodies of their fallen comrades in the face of Pakistan’s robust countermeasures.
The ISPR chief also highlighted that military installations in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Paktika provinces were struck, including an infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul, which was completely destroyed. The nighttime air strikes over Kabul created a visible spectacle, described by Lt Gen Chaudhry as “fireworks” that caught global attention. Similarly, a brigade headquarters in Kandahar was also demolished. Despite the success of the operation, Pakistan suffered casualties, with 12 security personnel martyred and 27 others wounded during the intense confrontations.
Lt Gen Chaudhry confirmed that the operation, named Ghazab lil-Haq, remains ongoing under the direct guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He stressed that the military’s actions were strictly professional, focusing solely on legitimate military targets to defend the country and protect its citizens. The ISPR chief also mentioned that attempts by militants to launch drone attacks in Abbottabad and Nowshera districts of KP were successfully thwarted amid the cross-border hostilities.
The military spokesperson strongly condemned the Afghan Taliban regime for allegedly providing sanctuary to terrorist groups, issuing a stern warning that any future acts of terrorism or suicide bombings within Pakistan would provoke not only retaliation against the perpetrators but also against those offering them refuge. He underscored that Afghanistan faces a critical choice between harboring terror outfits or fostering peaceful relations with Pakistan. “Our stance is unwavering, and we are prepared to make any sacrifice to defend our national security,” Lt Gen Chaudhry asserted.
Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully vigilant and prepared to safeguard the country’s interests along both eastern and western borders. The ISPR chief reiterated that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq will continue until all objectives are met, reflecting the nation’s firm resolve against terrorism. He also highlighted the unity among political parties in supporting military efforts, noting a broad consensus behind Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. Paying tribute to the police force of KP, he praised their sacrifices and unwavering courage in the ongoing fight against militancy.
The recent escalation began late Thursday night when the Afghan Taliban regime reportedly opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani positions. In response, Pakistan launched a coordinated counterattack targeting Taliban military infrastructure and militant hideouts deep inside Afghanistan. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Pakistani forces also neutralized multiple small drones launched by Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in KP, further demonstrating the complexity of the security challenges faced.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the situation as an “open war” with Afghanistan, emphasizing that Pakistan’s military is a neighboring force well aware of the limits and sensitivities along the border. “Our patience has run out, and no compromise will be made on national security,” he declared, signaling a hardline stance against any further provocations.
As tensions escalated, several friendly nations, including China, Iran, and Malaysia, called for restraint and urged both sides to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation. In a subsequent statement, the Taliban regime in Kabul expressed a willingness to pursue peaceful talks. Their spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, reiterated the desire for a diplomatic resolution, emphasizing that they have consistently advocated for dialogue to settle the ongoing disputes with Islamabad.
