ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Ataullah Tarar has said that no civilian areas were targeted during Pakistan’s ongoing operation Ghazab Lil Haq in Afghanistan. He stated that the strikes were directed only at militant infrastructure and support networks.
The statement was issued after the Afghan Taliban government and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan accused Pakistan of hitting civilian areas during the operation, Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.
Tensions between the two countries escalated on Feb. 26 when Afghan forces attacked Pakistani military positions along the border. The assault was described as retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes on what Islamabad called militant camps inside Afghanistan.
Speaking to foreign media correspondents, Tarar said Pakistan’s actions inside Afghanistan were based on accurate intelligence.
“Pakistan has not targeted any civilian area in Afghanistan,” he said, adding that only terrorist infrastructure and their support systems were being struck.
The minister rejected reports of civilian casualties. He said the UN agency relied on information provided by the Taliban government. The UN human rights chief earlier stated that 56 Afghan civilians had been killed since the clashes began, including nearly half who were children.
Tarar also dismissed claims by an Afghan defense ministry spokesperson about battlefield losses for Pakistan, calling them propaganda. He maintained that Pakistani strikes had killed 583 Afghan Taliban fighters, though the claim could not be independently verified.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, to operate from Afghan territory and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Afghanistan denies the allegations and says Pakistan’s security issues are internal.
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While Afghanistan has called for dialogue to reduce tensions, Pakistan has rejected talks for now. Officials say the operation will continue until its objectives are achieved. Tarar added that there is a nexus between the Afghan Taliban government and several militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
