ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that the Pakistan Air Force killed more than 100 terrorists in retributive air strikes inside Afghanistan. He said the government launched the intelligence-based operation after a wave of suicide bombings and cross-border attacks.
According to security sources, Pakistan carried out coordinated strikes on seven terrorist camps early Sunday morning. Jet aircraft targeted key hideouts in the Bermal district of Paktika province, where powerful explosions destroyed facilities used by militants. Officials confirmed that the operation eliminated several terrorists, including Taliban commander Akhtar Muhammad.
Government details intelligence-based action
While briefing the Upper House, Chaudhry stated that the PAF conducted the strikes on February 21 in three Afghan provinces. He said authorities selected the targets based strictly on verified intelligence about Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) safe havens and training centres. Moreover, he stressed that forces avoided civilian areas and did not target non-combatants.
In addition, the minister said Pakistan shared solid evidence with the Afghan Taliban government regarding terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil. He added that Islamabad provided details of camps and hideouts but received no written guarantees to prevent further infiltration.
Decisive response after deadly attacks
Chaudhry linked the operation to recent attacks, including the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Tarlai that killed around 36 people, as well as incidents in Bajaur and Bannu where security personnel embraced martyrdom. Therefore, he said, the government decided to respond decisively.
He reiterated that Pakistan would not compromise on national security. “Pakistan reserves the right to act in self-defence,” he said, adding that authorities would continue similar actions if cross-border terrorism persists.
