ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will continue Operation Ghazab lil Haq until verifiable assurances are provided by the Afghan Taliban that militant groups operating from Afghan territory will no longer be facilitated, a senior Pakistani security official said on Monday.
It was stated that Afghan authorities must choose between Pakistan and the militant groups accused of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. The duration of operations was said to depend on actions taken on the ground by the Taliban administration.
More than 180 posts were destroyed and over 30 captured where considered tactically necessary. These locations were described as launch pads used to facilitate cross-border attacks. Operations were said to be directed at militant sanctuaries and their facilitators, not at civilians. Targets were described as legitimate acts of self-defense in response to what was termed a war imposed on Pakistani citizens.
The Afghan Taliban administration are backing multiple armed groups including TTP known as Fitna al Khawarij and BLA known as Fitna al Hindustan, sustaining a war economy. It was alleged that misinformation and propaganda were being disseminated through official channels linked to Afghan authorities and their alleged backers.
It was emphasised that Pakistan seeks no regime change in Afghanistan. Operations were said to be focused solely on militant elements accused of violence inside Pakistan. Internal deployment of the Pakistan Army was attributed to governance gaps and incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan.
On Iran, it was stated that a balanced policy is being pursued. Concerns were expressed over recent regional escalations and attacks affecting Arab states. Support for a stable and peaceful Iran was reiterated.
Pakistan’s foreign policy was described as robust and engagement-driven. Relations with global stakeholders were said to be based on mutual respect and trust. Armed forces were described as fully capable of defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Regarding potential participation in an International Stabilization Force, it was stated that details remain under consideration and that any decision would be taken by the government after due diligence.
Also Read: 435 Afghan Taliban Fighters Killed, 630 Injured, in Operation ‘Ghazab Lil-Haq’: Tarar
On countrywide protests, concern was expressed over recent developments in Iran. Peaceful protest was described as a right, but violence under its cover was said to be unacceptable. Any attempt to create unrest was said to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
