Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency on Wednesday. They discussed Pakistan’s internal and external security situation in detail. The meeting came after rising tensions with Afghanistan, where Pakistani forces recently faced multiple cross-border attacks. The army chief briefed the president on the ongoing threat and Pakistan’s response. Both leaders agreed to uphold national security at all costs.
Earlier that day, Afghan Taliban fighters attacked Pakistani positions near the Balochistan border. Security forces responded quickly and killed 15 to 20 militants, according to the ISPR. This clash marked the third major incident in just one week. Skirmishes also occurred in the Kurram sector and several other border areas. The army said the attacks were aggressive and unprovoked.
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President Zardari praised the armed forces for their courage and professionalism. He said Pakistan would defend its borders and sovereignty under all circumstances. The president expressed full confidence in the army’s strength and preparedness. He also lauded the military’s swift and effective response to the attacks.
ISPR reported that 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred and 29 injured in recent clashes. In retaliation, over 200 Taliban and allied fighters were killed, based on intelligence assessments. The Afghan Taliban had claimed their attacks were in response to alleged Pakistani airstrikes. However, Islamabad did not confirm these airstrikes but said it reserved the right to defend itself.
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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have worsened in recent weeks. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop terrorist groups from using Afghan soil. However, Afghan officials deny these claims. As clashes continue, diplomatic relations remain strained, and both sides prepare for further security challenges.