Deputy PM discuss regional situation with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye amid Pak-Afghan conflict

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed his Saudi, Turkish and Egyptian counterparts on Friday about Pakistan’s “befitting” response to aggression by the Afghan Taliban and the justified the use of military force against the neighbour.

Pakistani forces targeted key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia through effective airstrikes, early on Friday. The military spokesperson said the ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ against the Afghan Taliban was producing the desired results and continued successfully.

He said Pakistan had “effectively repulsed” Afghan Taliban insurgents at 53 locations along the border, inflicting heavy losses while exercising restraint to avoid civilian harm.

In his statement earlier today on the situation, the foreign minister said the people and armed forces stood together as “steadfast guardians” of the country’s sovereignty, dignity and security. “Together, we are resolute in our commitment for a peaceful, prosperous and secure Pakistan,” he added.

The foreign minister is currently in Jeddah where he attended the Extraordinary Open-ended Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Executive Committee. He later spoke with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt to brief them on Pakistan’s response to the Afghan aggression.

He discussed the current situation of the conflict, along with other regional development, with Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

FM Dar briefed him on Pakistan’s “firm response to unprovoked Afghan aggression”, noting that the military had carried out successful and targeted operations under ‘Operation Ghazb lil Haq’ to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“They reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the region and agreed to stay closely engaged.”

Dar also telephoned Turkish FM Hakan Fidan and exchanged views on recent regional developments, particularly the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Read More: Pakistan Army to continue ‘Op Ghazab Lil Haq’ until ‘desired results’ achieved: DG ISPR

He underscored that “Pakistan responded befittingly” to the Afghan Taliban’s actions.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of peace and stability in the region and agreed to stay closely engaged on evolving developments.

In his talk with Egyptian FM Dr Badr Abdelatty, Dar underlined that Pakistan response had been “measured but decisive” to the Taliban’s actions.