On Sunday morning, Pakistan struck seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khwarij along the Afghan border. The action was taken in the aftermath of recent suicide bombing incidents in Bannu. Pakistan has conclusive evidence that these acts of terrorism were perpetrated by Khwarij at the behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.
As expected, a propaganda campaign was launched, hurling accusations that innocent civilians were targeted. However, these allegations are baseless. Pakistan conducted targeted operations against Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) and ISKP elements operating from Afghan border sanctuaries, focusing on terrorist camps and hideouts, not civilian infrastructure. Claims of targeting civilians are false and malicious, designed to shield terrorists. FAK uses civilian areas and human shields, but Pakistan’s operations take this into account and aim to minimise collateral damage.
Additionally, Afghan media and affiliated platforms falsely accused Pakistan of targeting a mosque and a madrassah. Pakistan’s action was a proportionate response to ongoing terror attacks on civilians and security forces. Pakistan respects sacred places and does not target them; however, terrorists misuse religious cover for their operations.
The strikes targeted FAK terror infrastructure, and Pakistan’s stance has been unequivocal from day one: these terrorists cannot be called Muslims, as their actions contradict the teachings of Islam. The operation was an act of counterterrorism in self-defence, focused on the terrorists’ leadership and infrastructure, not Afghan civilians or forces.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over FAK sanctuaries with Afghan authorities and sought verifiable measures, but to no avail. The Afghan rulers need to understand that sovereignty cannot be used as a shield for cross-border terrorism; denying sanctuaries is key to regional stability.
Pakistan’s efforts are part of a sustained nationwide campaign, with 75,175 intelligence-based operations conducted in 2025, averaging 206 per day.
Pakistan will act against imminent threats and has conducted significant internal counterterrorism operations, eliminating terrorists while making sacrifices in both its security forces and civilian population. Pakistan’s efforts are part of a sustained nationwide campaign, with 75,175 intelligence-based operations conducted in 2025, averaging 206 per day. The solution lies in joint, verifiable action against FAK. Afghan authorities should dismantle FAK camps, disrupt facilitation networks, and cooperate to prevent further action. Pakistan’s stance is grounded in case linkages and traced facilitation, including attacks carried out at the behest of Afghanistan-based commanders.
Pakistan seeks negotiated and verifiable arrangements, but the problem persists due to the lack of action against the terror infrastructure. The Taliban regime needs to demonstrate clarity and cooperation to address the issue. Pakistan’s action was directed against terrorists, not Afghanistan or its forces. Any hostile action that enables or protects terrorists will be viewed as abetting terrorism, and Pakistan will take necessary defensive measures to protect its citizens.
The writer is a freelance columnist and contributes regularly on issues concerning national security.