Islamabad Justifies Anti-Terror Actions, Stresses Respect for Afghan Sovereignty
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday refrained from directly confirming reports of airstrikes in Kabul, but strongly defended its recent counter-terrorism actions as a legitimate response to threats emanating from Afghan soil.
At the weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan remains committed to protecting its citizens from cross-border terrorism, particularly from groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He emphasized that any actions taken were intelligence-based operations focused solely on ensuring national security.
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its people,” Khan said. “While we respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty, we expect reciprocal efforts to prevent the use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.”
Khan reiterated Islamabad’s desire for continued dialogue and cooperation with Kabul, adding that both nations face a shared threat from terrorism.
Kabul Blasts Escalate Tensions as Conflicting Reports Emerge
The FO’s statement followed twin explosions in Kabul on Thursday night, which Afghan media described as precision airstrikes targeting a compound and vehicle allegedly linked to the TTP. Witnesses reported the sound of fighter jets and heavy gunfire. Some sources suggested the strike aimed at TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, though conflicting reports about his fate surfaced.
Pro-TTP channels released an audio clip claimed to be from Mehsud, denying his death and calling the incident “enemy propaganda.” Meanwhile, Pakistan military-linked accounts hailed the incident as a major hit on the TTP leadership.
If confirmed, analysts say this would mark Pakistan’s first known strike in Kabul, though Islamabad has previously targeted militants in other Afghan regions.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing parliament earlier, warned that Islamabad’s patience had “worn thin” over repeated attacks allegedly launched from Afghan territory. “Enough is enough,” he said, signaling a tougher stance.
Military and Kabul React as Accusations Fly
At a separate press conference in Peshawar, ISPR spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also avoided directly confirming the Kabul strikes. However, he stressed that Pakistan retains the right to defend itself against cross-border terrorism.
“Afghanistan is being used as a base for attacks on Pakistan. We have clear evidence of this,” Chaudhry stated.
In response, the Afghan Ministry of Defence accused Pakistan of violating its airspace and claimed that a civilian area in Paktika province and parts of Kabul were targeted. Kabul dismissed Pakistan’s allegations of harboring militants, denying that Afghan soil is used against its neighbor.
FO Stays Neutral on India-Afghanistan Diplomatic Ties
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office also declined to comment on the recent agreement between India and the Taliban-led Afghan government to reopen embassies. The decision followed talks in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Acting FM Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking India’s first high-level engagement with the Taliban since 2021.
“This is a matter between two sovereign countries,” FO spokesperson Khan stated. “Pakistan’s consistent request to Afghanistan has been clear: their territory must not be used against Pakistan’s interests.”
As regional tensions simmer, Islamabad continues to push for stronger border security and regional cooperation while asserting its right to act against terror threats emanating from beyond its borders.
