Pakistan Justifies Strikes in Afghanistan as Self-Defense
Pakistan on Friday defended its recent cross-border airstrikes into Afghanistan, arguing that it acted in self-defense as tensions surged along the long and porous border. Foreign Office officials said Islamabad’s actions targeted militant groups and Taliban forces it accuses of sheltering extremists, while emphasizing that the strikes were not aimed at Afghan civilians.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan framed the clashes as a bilateral issue that threatened regional stability and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to de-escalation. He noted that Pakistan had inflicted heavy losses on Taliban forces and affiliated groups during what he described as an extreme cautionary, targeted defensive response intended to spare civilian lives.
Allegations of Militant Safe Havens
Islamabad has repeatedly alleged that the Afghan Taliban allow banned militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), to operate from Afghan soil and coordinate cross-border attacks. Kabul denies these charges, insisting it does not permit its territory to be used against other countries. The spat follows a series of deadly clashes that began last weekend and culminated in a 48-hour truce that paused hostilities for two days before ending on Friday afternoon.
Diplomatic Contours and Regional Mediation
The skirmishes drew attention from regional powers, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar mediating efforts to reduce tensions. Pakistan’s Foreign Office highlighted the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia as a sign of enduring security ties and a mutual commitment to stability. Islamabad also praised Saudi Arabia’s balanced stance, which it said supported de-escalation and regional peace.
Pakistan’s stance includes a reminder that the fight against terrorism is a shared cause and urged the Taliban regime to respect commitments not to allow territory to be used for terrorism. The government reiterated its preference for diplomacy and regional cooperation to resolve disputes and safeguard both countries’ sovereignty.
Broader Regional Security Implications
Pakistan’s border confrontations with Afghanistan have spanned years, but this month’s exchange marks one of the most intense episodes in decades. The government assures that its defensive operations are carefully calibrated to minimize harm to Afghan civilians while protecting Pakistani lives and territory. The crisis has implications beyond bilateral ties, influencing regional security dynamics and the strategic calculations of key neighbors.
As Pakistan points to militant sanctuaries and cross-border attacks, Afghanistan’s government remains adamant that it does not harbor militants aimed at Pakistan or other states. The situation has prompted calls for renewed dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a clear path to denuclearized, stable governance in the region.
Domestic Security and Humanitarian Context
Parallel to border tensions, Pakistan continues to grapple with domestic security threats linked to militant violence. In a separate incident near the Afghan border, six Pakistani soldiers and six militants were killed in a suicide attack as security forces confronted militants in North Waziristan. Officials described a tense environment as authorities work to prevent further incursions and protect civilian populations.
On the public health front, Pakistan’s polio vaccination drive proceeds nationwide, with millions of children reached in ongoing immunization campaigns. Health workers continue to operate under security constraints, underscoring the country’s multi-faceted challenges as it pursues both security and public health objectives.
Looking Ahead
Analysts say the next phase hinges on whether Kabul will take concrete steps to curb militant cross-border activity and align with regional reconciliation efforts. Washington’s enduring but evolving relationship with Pakistan also colors the security calculus, as U.S. and allied partners weigh their interests in stabilizing the frontier region. For now, Pakistan’s leadership emphasizes self-defense, de-escalation, and ongoing diplomacy as it seeks to safeguard its people while urging Kabul to take decisive action against militant networks operating from Afghan soil.
