Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after Islamabad launched retaliatory airstrikes under Operation ‘Ghazab lil-Haq’, claiming to have killed over 130 Taliban fighters. The strikes were carried out early Friday in response to what Pakistan described as “unprovoked firing” across multiple border sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
President Asif Ali Zardari declared that Pakistan would not compromise on its territorial integrity. “Those who mistake our peace for weakness will face a strong response — and no one will be beyond reach,” he said in a statement shared via the presidency’s official handle.
According to reports, the strikes targeted Taliban-linked installations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, with Pakistan’s air force also reportedly destroying an ammunition depot in Nangarhar province. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that operations were ongoing and described the situation as an “open war,” asserting that Pakistan’s patience had run out after repeated cross-border incidents.
Islamabad has long accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for a prolonged insurgency inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the allegations and countered that Pakistan harbours groups targeting Afghan territory.
Amid the escalating conflict, India strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Afghan soil, stating that civilian casualties, including women and children during Ramadan, were unacceptable. India also rejected Pakistan’s claims linking New Delhi to militant activities as “baseless” and “politically motivated.”
The situation marks one of the most serious flare-ups between the two neighbours in recent years, raising fears of prolonged instability along the volatile border region.