Islamabad Strikes ‘Terrorist Elements’ in Afghanistan, Claims Pakistan’s Foreign Minister

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said Islamabad carried out strikes against “terrorist elements” inside Afghanistan after what he described as unprovoked Taliban border attacks, warning further defensive action if provoked.

Pakistan’s foreign minister accused Afghan forces of carrying out “unprovoked” attacks along the border, calling the actions “provocative” and warning that Islamabad will take “all necessary measures” to defend its sovereignty.

In a post on X, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Taliban forces had fired across the border and launched raids that triggered retaliatory strikes by Pakistan. He described the response as “measured and proportionate,” saying it targeted Taliban infrastructure linked to what he called “the menace of the Kharijites and Indian-backed elements” — terms often used by Islamabad to describe the TTP.

Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s defensive actions were aimed solely at militant targets, not civilians. “Our defensive response does not target peaceful Afghan civilians,” he said, adding that Pakistan exercises “maximum restraint to avoid civilian casualties, unlike the Taliban.”

His remarks come amid escalating tensions following a series of deadly border clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces. Taliban officials have claimed that their retaliatory attacks killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and overran 25 border outposts after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Paktia provinces earlier this week.

Dar urged the Taliban to take “practical action” against groups operating from Afghanistan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan. “We expect the Taliban government to act against terrorist elements and their supporters who seek to destabilize relations between our two countries,” he said.

Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban administration, Pakistan has maintained diplomatic channels with Kabul, repeatedly urging Afghan authorities to prevent cross-border attacks by the TTP and other armed groups operating from within Afghanistan.

The latest exchanges underline growing mistrust between the two countries after months of cross-border skirmishes. Analysts warn that continued escalation risks undermining fragile regional stability unless both sides commit to renewed dialogue and coordinated border security measures.

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