Pakistan Warns Afghanistan: No One Beyond Reach

Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes against Afghanistan in the early hours of Friday under Operation ‘Ghazab lil-Haq’, following what it called unprovoked cross-border firing. Officials said Afghan Taliban fighters targeted multiple locations along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday evening. The reported firing affected sectors in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur. Authorities described the action as a direct response to escalating aggression.

President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would not compromise on its peace or territorial integrity. In a statement shared on the official X handle of the presidency, he called the military response comprehensive and decisive. He warned that those who mistake Pakistan’s restraint for weakness would face strong consequences. He added that no hostile element would remain beyond the country’s reach.

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Over 130 Taliban fighters reported killed as Pakistan escalates response to border aggression

State broadcaster PTV News reported that Pakistan’s armed forces carried out airstrikes on key Taliban-linked sites in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The Pakistan Air Force also targeted and destroyed an ammunition depot in Nangarhar province. Officials claimed the operation killed more than 130 Taliban fighters. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the operation remains underway and described it as a strong response to aggression.

Asif said Pakistan had expected stability in Afghanistan after NATO forces withdrew and hoped the Taliban would focus on regional peace. He stated that Islamabad pursued normalization efforts through direct engagement and friendly nations. However, he declared that patience had run out and described the situation as an “open war.” He also pointed to Pakistan’s long-standing support for Afghan refugees while stressing that security concerns now dominate policy.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan militants behind rising attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has rejected the charge and countered that Pakistan supports groups hostile to Afghanistan. Pakistan has also alleged Indian involvement in destabilizing activities, a claim New Delhi has firmly denied as baseless and politically motivated. On February 22, India condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, citing civilian casualties during the holy month of Ramadan.

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