By Special Correspondent
Islamabad: Pakistan has, for the first time, issued a detailed official position regarding its ongoing cross-border security operations in Afghanistan, declaring that the military campaign known as “Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq” will continue until the Afghan Taliban government provides verifiableu assurances that it has ceased facilitating militant groups targeting Pakistan.
A senior Pakistani security official, speaking to the media in Islamabad, stated that Islamabad is in no rush to conclude the operation and that its duration will depend entirely on concrete actions taken on the ground by the Afghan Taliban authorities.
“The Afghan Taliban must decide whether they stand with Pakistan or with the terrorist groups operating from their soil,” the official said.
According to the official stance, Pakistan’s operations are focused on dismantling safe havens, logistical infrastructure, and launch pads allegedly used by militant factions referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan.”
The security official described the strikes as intelligence-based and within the framework of self-defense, arguing that these groups have been responsible for attacks on Pakistani civilians, mosques, and security personnel.
Authorities claim that more than 180 militant posts have been destroyed and over 30 strategic locations have been brought under control. These sites, officials allege, were being used as operational hubs for cross-border attacks into Pakistan.
Islamabad has also accused elements within the Afghan Taliban administration and their “Indian backers” of spreading misinformation through official social media accounts. The official asserted that claims emerging from Kabul require independent verification and described Taliban-linked narratives as unreliable.
The Pakistani government emphasized that it has no conflict with the Afghan people and does not seek regime change in Afghanistan.
“The political future of Afghanistan is solely the internal matter of the Afghan people,” the official clarified, adding that the operations are directed strictly against militant actors and their facilitators.
On the domestic front, the security official acknowledged that the Pakistan Army’s expanded internal role has been shaped by governance gaps and incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan.
He called on political stakeholders to ensure better governance and depoliticization of relevant institutions, stressing that the military has no political ambitions.
Addressing regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Pakistani officials reiterated that Islamabad is pursuing a balanced and responsible policy.
According to the statement, Iran has appreciated Pakistan’s measured response, a position that has also been supported by China and Russia.
However, Pakistan has reportedly conveyed its concerns over any actions that could destabilize friendly Arab states in the region.
Officials underlined that Pakistan seeks a stable and peaceful Iran and rejected speculation that Pakistan could be the “next target” amid escalating regional hostilities. “Such assumptions are baseless and ignore the distinct military, diplomatic, and internal realities of Pakistan,” the official said.
Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and independent foreign policy built on mutual respect and diversified global partnerships.
The government stressed that Pakistan retains full capability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, pointing to its long-standing counterterrorism campaign as evidence of operational readiness.
Pakistan also highlighted its decades-long strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia and confirmed that discussions regarding participation in any potential International Stabilization Force (ISF) remain under review, with a final decision to be made after comprehensive evaluation.
Regarding recent nationwide protests in Pakistan following developments in Iran, authorities stated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right.
However, they warned that violence or attempts to create unrest under the guise of protest would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
The government concluded by reiterating that Pakistan’s armed forces, backed by public support, are prepared to counter any threats to national security while pursuing regional stability through responsible diplomacy and calibrated security measures.