Pakistan’s military on Tuesday firmly dismissed accusations by the Taliban regime that Islamabad carried out overnight strikes inside Afghanistan, calling the claims “baseless” and contrary to Pakistan’s established policies on cross-border engagements.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the Pakistan Army had not conducted any operation in Afghan territory, responding to allegations by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid that drone and aircraft strikes in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces killed 10 people. Local Afghan officials had also claimed involvement of Pakistani aircraft.
Pakistan Says It Never Targets Civilians
Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan conducts any military action openly and only within clear state principles. “Pakistan has not attacked Afghanistan. We do not target civilians, and we respond solely as a state,” he said during a briefing broadcast by state media.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s stance is against terrorism, not the Afghan population, urging Kabul’s interim administration to behave as a responsible state. “The Taliban government should not act like a non-state actor. How long will it remain interim?” he asked, adding that Pakistan recognises no distinctions between “good and bad” militants.
Islamabad Reiterates Concerns on Cross-Border Terror Threats
The ISPR DG called for a nationwide ban on non-custom-paid vehicles, noting their use in several terror attacks. His remarks came a day after a suicide bombing at the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar killed three officers and injured 11.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly warned that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to operate from Afghan soil. These concerns were echoed in a recent United Nations Security Council monitoring team report that highlighted operational and financial links between the TTP and elements within Afghanistan.
KP Police: Peshawar Attackers Likely Afghan Nationals
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said preliminary findings into Monday’s attack suggest the three involved militants were probably Afghan citizens. Investigators have collected fingerprints, photographs and CCTV footage as part of the probe.
Faiz Hamid Trial: No Speculation, Says ISPR
Addressing the ongoing court-martial of former ISI director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid, the ISPR DG warned against speculation, emphasising that the legal process must be allowed to conclude. Hamid is facing charges related to political activities, misuse of authority, and violations of the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
The former intelligence chief was arrested following a Supreme Court-ordered inquiry in the Top City housing scheme case, where he was accused of land grabbing and misconduct. Three other retired officers were also detained in connection with the investigation.
