The Taliban regime in Afghanistan expressed a desire to resolve ongoing tensions with neighboring Pakistan through dialogue, following a series of deadly clashes along the border. On Friday, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated their call for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that they have consistently advocated for negotiations to settle the conflict. This statement came in the wake of intense fighting that erupted late Thursday night across multiple sectors in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
Pakistan’s military responded decisively after Taliban fighters initiated unprovoked attacks along the border areas, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur. The Pakistani armed forces launched a comprehensive counteroffensive, targeting Taliban positions with ground assaults and airstrikes. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted precision strikes deep inside Afghanistan, hitting key locations such as Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia. These operations aimed to dismantle Taliban strongholds and disrupt their operational capabilities.
Sharing details of the military campaign, the Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that the Pakistani forces inflicted heavy casualties on the Taliban and affiliated terror groups. A total of 274 Taliban fighters and militants were killed, while over 400 sustained injuries during the retaliatory strikes. The operation also resulted in the destruction of more than 74 Taliban posts and the capture of 18 checkposts along the border, significantly weakening the insurgents’ foothold in the region.
In addition to ground targets, Pakistani forces destroyed 115 enemy tanks and armored vehicles, crippling the Taliban’s mobility and firepower. The ISPR DG also confirmed that 22 hideouts belonging to the terror outfits Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were targeted and neutralized during the operation. The militants reportedly fled the battle zones, abandoning the bodies of their fallen comrades as Pakistani forces pressed their advantage. Military installations in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Paktika provinces were also struck, further demonstrating the reach and intensity of Pakistan’s response.
One of the most notable aspects of the operation was the targeting of an infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul, which was completely destroyed. Similarly, a brigade headquarters in Kandahar was also eliminated, underscoring the strategic nature of the airstrikes. The dramatic visuals of explosions lighting up the night sky over Kabul were witnessed globally, highlighting the scale of Pakistan’s military action. Despite the success of the operation, Pakistan suffered losses as well, with 12 security personnel martyred and 27 wounded during the clashes.
The ISPR DG emphasized that the retaliatory operation was conducted under the direct orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has insisted on a firm stance against cross-border terrorism. The military’s actions were described as professional and precise, focusing solely on legitimate military targets to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and protect its citizens. The DG also noted that attempts by the Taliban to carry out drone attacks in Abbottabad and Nowshera were successfully thwarted during the exchange of fire, preventing further escalation within Pakistan’s territory.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to receive a comprehensive briefing from military leaders regarding the recent border confrontations. During the meeting, the prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards the alliance between the Taliban regime and extremist groups such as Fitna al-Khawarij. He condemned the cross-border attacks as unacceptable violations of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and reaffirmed the country’s right to defend itself against any aggression.
This latest episode of violence comes amid a fragile security environment along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where longstanding tensions have frequently erupted into armed clashes. The Taliban’s overture for dialogue may signal a potential opening for negotiations, but Pakistan’s robust military response underscores its commitment to safeguarding national security. As the situation continues to evolve, both sides face the challenge of balancing military action with diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
