In response to unprovoked cross-border aggression emanating from Afghan soil, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” on February 26th, 2026. Multiple coordinated air and ground strikes were carried out by Pakistani forces, targeting the terrorist hideouts. The strikes were carried out on credible intelligence and were directed at militant sanctuaries, their operational and logistical hubs. As per the official sources, over 600 terrorists have so far been eliminated as a result of these strikes. The heavy handed approach was adopted only after the diplomatic engagements with Afghan rulers, including Turkiye and Qatar mediation, failed to yield positive outcomes mainly due to the mullish attitude of Afghan Taliban, who continue to prioritize ideological alliance over domestic prosperity and regional stability. However, instead of extending an olive branch towards Pakistan and reviewing its policies regarding sheltering the militants, the Afghan Taliban regime responded by launching improvised drones attacks on civilian spaces in Pakistan. Though the poor quality of drones prevented large-scale damage, the objective of these drone attacks was to spread fear among the masses. Symbolic drone provocations are a part of psychological warfare to suggest deeper penetration in a territory which creates panic among the public. Additionally, these drone strikes also hint at the sheer cowardice of Afghan Taliban and their disregard for civilian lives, as contrary to Pakistan’s precise strikes, the drone attacks conducted by Afghan Taliban were directed towards civilian areas. Such repeated provocations are likely to compel Pakistan to expand the scale of its counter-terrorism operations and target the leadership and command structures.
Like any other sovereign nation, Pakistan reserves the right to retaliate incase of any foreign aggression against its sovereignty and civilian population.
Like any other sovereign nation, Pakistan reserves the right to retaliate incase of any foreign aggression against its sovereignty and civilian population. Pakistan’s stance is unequivocally clear: Operation Ghazab Lil Haq will continue till the Afghan Taliban address Pakistan’s core concern regarding terrorism originating from Afghan soil and reign in militant factions. While the Afghan Taliban regime may play the victim to gain sympathy from the world, the truth is irrefutable: Afghanistan, under the Taliban rule, has become a hotbed of terrorism, with globally designated terrorist groups operating scot free from Afghan soil. The Taliban’s patronage of terrorism has undermined the stability and safety of the entire South Asian and Central Asian region. A regime that harbors terror elements, feeds off violence and has zero regard for regional stability is a threat to peace and security. Dismantling the infrastructure nurturing this hub of terror may ultimately become an absolute necessity for regional peace. The choice lies with the Afghan Taliban: it is now for them to decide whether to continue playing with fire or collectively work for shared peace and prosperity.
The writer is a freelance columnist