Pakistan has justified its recent security operations as necessary actions to protect its citizens from cross-border threats, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). While avoiding direct confirmation of recent airstrikes in Kabul, the Foreign Office described the actions as “intelligence-based” and aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats. Officials stressed that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and seeks cooperation to tackle terrorism jointly.
The statement came after two explosions rocked Kabul on Thursday night. Reports said fighter jets were heard, and the blasts targeted a vehicle and compound linked to the TTP. There is conflicting information about whether TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud was killed. Pro-Pakistan military accounts called it a major blow to TTP leadership, while pro-TTP sources released an audio denying his death as “enemy propaganda.”
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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. If confirmed, this would be the first known strike in Kabul by Pakistan, although past operations have targeted TTP hideouts in other Afghan regions. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently told parliament that Pakistan’s patience had run out, citing continued attacks from Afghan soil.
Afghanistan has denied sheltering terrorist groups and accused Pakistan of violating its airspace. Afghan officials claim Pakistani strikes hit a civilian market in Paktika and breached Kabul’s territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Pakistan reiterated its right to self-defence and accused Afghanistan of allowing its territory to be used for attacks on Pakistan.
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Separately, Pakistan declined to comment on a reported India-Afghanistan agreement to reopen their long-closed embassies. The Foreign Office said such bilateral matters are internal to the countries involved. However, Pakistan maintained its long-standing demand that Afghanistan ensure its soil is not used for hostile activities against Pakistan.