ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has officially confirmed carrying out intelligence-based selective strikes against terrorist sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, delivering a decisive response to a wave of suicide bombings that have bloodied the nation during the holy month of Ramzan.
The military action comes in the wake of multiple terrorist attacks that shook the country, including a suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad, two separate incidents in Bajaur and Bannu, followed by yet another explosion in Bannu today. The strikes targeted seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to the Fitna al-Khwarij (FAK) — the banned Pakistani Taliban — along with their affiliates and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) in border regions of Afghanistan.
Conclusive Evidence of Afghan Soil’s Use
According to an official government statement, Pakistan possesses conclusive evidence that these acts of terrorism were orchestrated by Khwarij leadership and handlers based in Afghanistan. Responsibility for the attacks was openly claimed by Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban elements and their affiliates, exposing the continued presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist networks across the border.
The development marks a significant escalation in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism posture, as Islamabad has repeatedly but unsuccessfully urged the Afghan Taliban regime to take verifiable measures denying the use of Afghan territory to terrorist groups and foreign proxies.
Failed Commitments
Despite Pakistan’s persistent diplomatic efforts and appeals to the interim Afghan government, the Taliban regime has failed to undertake any substantive action against terrorist entities operating from its soil. This inaction, despite clear evidence and repeated warnings, left Pakistan with no choice but to exercise its right to self-defense.
Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but the safety and security of its citizens remains the foremost priority. The precision strikes were carried out with accuracy, specifically targeting terrorist infrastructure while avoiding civilian casualties.
Call to International Community
In its official response, Pakistan has reiterated its demand that the interim Afghan government fulfill its international obligations and deny the use of its territory by Khwarij and other terrorist elements against Pakistan. The statement emphasized that the safety and security of the people of Pakistan comes first and foremost.
The government also called upon the international community to play a positive and constructive role by urging the Taliban regime to stand by its commitments under the Doha Agreement — which explicitly requires Afghanistan to deny the use of its soil against other countries. This, Pakistan stressed, is vital not only for regional stability but for global peace and security.
Message to Terrorists
The military response sends a clear message: Pakistan will not tolerate terrorist attacks on its soil, regardless of where the perpetrators seek sanctuary. With Ramzan marred by bloodshed, the state has demonstrated its resolve to protect its citizens and respond decisively to those who threaten the nation’s peace from across the border.
