RAWALPINDI: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said there is no distinction between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorist groups, asserting that the world understands Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq is aimed at safeguarding its people.
During a detailed briefing on the ongoing operation, he stated that on the night of February 21 and 22, Pakistani forces targeted hideouts of “Fitna al-Khawarij” near the border. He said the Afghan Taliban regime used the incident as a pretext to launch what he termed a so-called retaliatory action.
According to the DG ISPR, firing was carried out from across the Pak-Afghan border at 53 locations in 15 sectors. He maintained that all attacks were effectively repelled and that Pakistan delivered a strong and decisive response at each of the 53 points.
Providing operational details, he said that so far 274 Taliban regime personnel and Khawarij militants have been killed, while more than 400 were injured. He added that over 74 Taliban posts were completely destroyed, 18 checkpoints are now under Pakistani control, and 115 enemy tanks and armored vehicles have been destroyed.
He further stated that 12 Pakistani soldiers were martyred and 27 others injured during the operation.
The DG ISPR also revealed that drone attacks in Abbottabad and Nowshera were successfully thwarted.
He said that 22 hideouts linked to “Fitna al-Hindustan” and “Fitna al-Khawarij” were targeted with precision strikes in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar.
Emphasizing the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces, he said only military targets were engaged, including terrorist sanctuaries and weapons depots. He claimed militants fled the scene, abandoning the bodies of their associates.
He also stated that Pakistan Air Force targeted an infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul and destroyed another brigade headquarters in Kandahar, adding that the night-time explosions were witnessed globally.
Reiterating his stance, the military spokesperson said there is no difference between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorist elements. He concluded by saying that on the Prime Minister’s directive, Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq will continue until its objectives are fully achieved.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
Pakistan has initiated “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” following what authorities described as unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border. In response, the Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have acknowledged that the strikes took place.
Political leadership across party lines has expressed firm support for the armed forces. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and leaders from the opposition PTI have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif accused the Taliban of serving as a proxy force to export terrorism from Afghanistan.
Responding to what he described as unprovoked firing by Afghan forces on multiple locations along the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, the defence minister said Pakistan’s restraint had reached its limit and warned that any further escalation could lead to open war.
In a strongly worded statement on social media, he said Pakistan’s armed forces are not outsiders but neighbours who understand the situation and its boundaries. He added that the military was delivering a forceful response to what he called India-backed Taliban aggression, expressing confidence that the adversary would ultimately face defeat.
Asif further claimed that after NATO’s withdrawal, the Taliban turned Afghanistan into what he described as an Indian outpost, allegedly sheltering militants from around the world and facilitating the export of terrorism.
He maintained that Pakistan had made consistent efforts to preserve stability and normal relations, but asserted that the Taliban-led administration had instead acted as a proxy for India.
