Pakistan Justifies Border Strikes as Self-Defense
Pakistan on Friday asserted that its sporadic airstrikes across the border into Afghanistan were an act of self-defense. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Islamabad had exercised its right to defend its territory and civilians against cross-border attacks. The remarks come as fierce clashes along the long, porous border this past week resulted in dozens of deaths on both sides, with fighting flaring up again after a two-day pause.
Country authorities have repeatedly accused Kabul of sheltering banned militant groups, notably the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and enabling attacks launched from Afghan soil. Kabul denies the accusations, saying it does not permit its territory to be used against other countries. Khan stressed that Pakistan’s response was targeted and precise, intended to avoid civilian harm, and highlighted the necessity of protecting its people and borders.
Border Strife and Diplomatic Framing
The clashes intensified after Pakistan’s claims about militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan, provoking airstrikes in Kandahar and Kabul before a 48-hour truce was declared. The fighting, described by Islamabad as unprovoked, underscored a volatile security dynamic at the frontier and rekindled concerns about the stability of the region.
Khan urged Kabul to take concrete, verifiable actions against militant groups and emphasized that “the fight against terrorism is a common cause.” He urged the Taliban regime to honor commitments not to allow territory to be used for terrorism against other nations and to contribute to regional peace.
Regional Reactions and Strategic Alliances
In addition to its direct border diplomacy, Pakistan hailed Saudi Arabia’s stance during the conflict, signaling a shared interest in de-escalation and regional stability. Pakistan noted the recently concluded Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia as a framework for coordinated responses should aggression occur against either country. The government said Saudi Arabia’s balanced approach complemented broader regional efforts to prevent escalation while safeguarding sovereignty.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office also recalled ongoing efforts to maintain diplomacy, noting that Islamabad has preferred dialogue to resolve disputes with Kabul. The spokesperson framed the border issue as bilateral yet warned that Pakistan would act decisively to secure its borders if militant activity continued from Afghan soil.
Broader Security Context
The border violence arrives amid longstanding friction over militant sanctuaries and cross-border attacks that have repeatedly strained ties since the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in 2021. Islamabad has reported ongoing efforts to counter TTP and BLA units, while Afghanistan insists it does not permit cross-border strikes or support for militant groups. The international community has urged restraint and emphasized dialogue to prevent further casualties.
What Lies Ahead
Analysts say de-escalation will depend on both sides’ willingness to address underlying security concerns and to verify steps against militant networks on Afghan soil. Pakistan’s leadership signaled readiness for diplomacy but also made clear that border sovereignty and civilian safety remain paramount. The next phase will likely involve regional diplomacy, continued monitoring, and potential security talks supported by regional powers seeking stability in the border region.
Polio Campaigns and Other News (Brief Update)
Separately, Pakistan’s domestic agenda continues with health campaigns, including a nationwide polio immunization drive targeting millions of children, a reminder that the country faces multiple security and development challenges. While not directly linked to the border tensions, such initiatives illustrate the broader complexity of governance in Pakistan today.
