Pakistan strikes 10 locations in Afghanistan after drone incursions: Tarar

Pakistan conducted precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan used for launching and storing drones following an attempted drone incursion from Afghan territory, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Thursday.

In a post on X, Tarar said Pakistan’s Air Defence systems had detected, tracked and neutralised all the intruding drones before they could reach their intended targets.

He said the strikes were carried out in exercise of Pakistan’s “sovereign right to self-defence” and were “deliberate, precise, calibrated and proportionate”, targeting identified military objectives that Pakistan said were directly linked to the attempted attacks.

Tarar strongly condemned a “deliberate and unlawful” incursion into Pakistani territory by drones launched from Afghanistan, calling it a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The minister said Pakistan had repeatedly conveyed its concerns to the Afghan Taliban regime and its interlocutors over what it described as the continued presence of terrorist sanctuaries and support networks on Afghan soil.

He said that instead of dismantling such networks and taking “credible and verifiable” action against those using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban regime had escalated the situation through drone operations.

Tarar said Pakistan would not accept attacks launched from Afghan territory, whether by terrorist groups or the Afghan Taliban regime itself, adding that any violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty would be met with an immediate response.

He said threats, denials or attempts to deflect responsibility would not affect Pakistan’s stated right to defend its territory, people and national security.

The minister called on the Afghan Taliban regime to immediately cease hostile activity against Pakistan and fulfil its international obligations by taking “effective, concrete, verifiable and sustained action” against militant entities operating from Afghan soil.

“Afghan territory must not be used to launch attacks or conduct hostile operations against Pakistan,” he said.

Tarar said Pakistan did not seek escalation and remained committed to regional peace, dialogue and constructive engagement.

However, he said this commitment should not be interpreted as unlimited tolerance of hostile actions, adding that Pakistan would take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and citizens.

He warned that any further “provocative act” by the Afghan Taliban would draw a firm response.

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have been strained since the Afghan Taliban’s takeover in 2021, primarily due to a significant increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, largely attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Kabul to dismantle TTP hideouts and prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan. Afghanistan, however, denies these allegations, often advising Pakistan to address its internal issues.

Tensions escalated into border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes against alleged terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Pakistan has also closed its border at times due to security concerns. Despite diplomatic engagements, including high-level visits and agreements to enhance trade and cooperation, and mutual assurances against terrorism, trust remains low. International actors like China have initiated mediation efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Pakistan maintains its right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism.