Pakistan Launches ‘Operation Ghazab lil-Haq’ After Cross-Border Fire; PAF Strikes Targets in Afghanistan

Monitoring Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan has launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” in response to what officials described as unprovoked firing from across the Afghan border, escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

According to security sources, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out airstrikes targeting military installations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have acknowledged that the strikes took place.

State media reported that PAF jets were patrolling the skies over Kandahar, while visuals shared showed strikes on what were described as Taliban brigade headquarters and ammunition depots.

Cross-Border Clashes and Ground Operations

Security sources said heavy losses were inflicted on Afghan border terminal posts and installations in the Warsak sector. Fighting along the Angoor Adda border reportedly subsided after Pakistani forces captured several Afghan checkposts following overnight exchanges of fire.

By midday, officials claimed that Pakistani forces had seized an Afghan Taliban post in the Topsar sector and hoisted the national flag. Additional posts in the Mano Jabba area were said to have been heavily damaged.

Earlier updates indicated that Pakistan Army soldiers had taken possession of a vehicle abandoned by Afghan Taliban fighters during the clashes.

The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced that Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry would hold a press conference at 4pm to brief the nation on the evolving situation.

Drone Attempts Thwarted

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said attempts were made to launch small drones in Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera. He stated that anti-drone systems successfully intercepted and destroyed all drones, with no casualties reported.

The minister alleged that the incident exposed direct linkages between the Afghan Taliban and terrorist activities inside Pakistan.

Political Leadership Expresses Support

Leaders across the political spectrum, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, issued statements backing the armed forces and reaffirming that Pakistan’s territorial integrity would not be compromised.

Opposition leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also expressed support for the military’s response.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of turning Afghanistan into a “colony of India” and acting as a proxy to export terrorism into Pakistan.

The Senate passed a resolution condemning what it described as Afghan aggression and praised the armed forces for their response. Security was placed on high alert in border districts, including Mohmand.

Regional and International Reactions

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which both sides discussed regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, called for calm and respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, stressing the protection of civilians.

China also urged both countries to exercise restraint. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was “deeply concerned” about the escalation and called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed. She added that China was engaging both sides through diplomatic channels to facilitate de-escalation.

Russia and Iran also reportedly called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Heightened Alert Along Border

Security remains on high alert in several border regions. Officials said Pakistan’s armed forces were responding “vigorously” to any further aggression while monitoring developments closely.

The situation remains fluid, with further official updates expected following the ISPR briefing later in the day.