Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a significant visit to the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where he was provided with an extensive briefing on the latest developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This visit comes at a critical juncture as Pakistan intensifies its military efforts under Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq to counter persistent incursions and provocations by the Afghan Taliban and their allied factions. The Prime Minister underscored the government’s firm stance of zero tolerance towards the alliance between Fitna al-Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban regime, condemning their hostile actions against Pakistan as utterly unacceptable.
During his time at GHQ, Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by the Pakistan Armed Forces. He specifically lauded the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, along with the Chiefs of Defence Staff, for their decisive and effective response to the cross-border attacks. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan possesses the capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty against any form of aggression. He further highlighted the unity of the nation, affirming that every citizen stands firmly behind the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq has yielded significant results, with military sources confirming that over 274 fighters affiliated with the Afghan Taliban regime have been killed, and more than 400 others injured during the ongoing campaign. The operation has also successfully dismantled 74 Taliban posts and neutralized 115 tanks and armored vehicles, substantially weakening the enemy’s operational capacity along the border. This robust counteroffensive reflects Pakistan’s commitment to securing its frontiers and preventing militant groups from exploiting border areas to launch attacks.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), provided detailed insights into the operation during a media briefing. He revealed that on the nights of February 21 and 22, Pakistani forces targeted hideouts used by Fitna al-Khawarij near the border, which the Afghan Taliban regime had been attempting to use as staging grounds for their assaults. The DG ISPR noted that attacks took place at 53 different locations across 15 sectors along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, all of which were successfully repelled by Pakistani troops. The military’s response was not only decisive but also drew international attention for its effectiveness.
In addition to ground operations, the Pakistan Air Force conducted precision airstrikes during the night, targeting key Taliban installations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Nangarhar provinces. These strikes reportedly destroyed brigade and corps headquarters, ammunition depots, and logistical bases critical to Taliban operations. While Taliban sources acknowledged explosions in several cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, they denied any casualties, a claim that remains unverified by independent observers.
On the ground, Pakistani forces made notable advances by capturing five Afghan posts in Paktia province, directly across from South Waziristan. Among these were strategic positions near Shawal, Angoor Adda, and Zarmalan. The Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda was reportedly demolished during these operations. Intense clashes were also reported in other border sectors such as Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan, and Kurram, where several Taliban checkpoints were destroyed. Pakistani troops also shot down quadcopter drones that were allegedly deployed by militants against their positions.
Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict has also impacted civilians. In Bajaur, mortar shelling injured five people, including three women, and caused damage to a local mosque. The wounded were promptly transported to Khar Hospital for medical treatment. In light of these security challenges, authorities have reiterated the nationwide ban on drone usage, which remains strictly enforced until the situation stabilizes. Enforcement directives have been issued to all provincial administrations to ensure compliance and prevent further security breaches.
Overall, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to GHQ and the subsequent military briefing highlight the seriousness with which Pakistan is addressing the escalating tensions along its western border. The government’s unwavering support for the armed forces and its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region send a clear message to hostile elements that Pakistan will not tolerate any threats to its sovereignty.
