Operation Ghazab lil Haq: Pakistan Issues Clear Warning, Reaffirms Unyielding Stance on Terrorism

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan has launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq, a targeted counterterrorism campaign aimed at eliminating militant sanctuaries operating from Afghan territory, a senior security official confirmed on Sunday.

Briefing the media, the official stated that Pakistan will continue intelligence-based strikes against terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan until the Afghan Taliban offer verifiable guarantees that their soil will no longer be used for attacks against Pakistan. He emphasized that the length and scope of the operation depend entirely on concrete steps taken by the Afghan Taliban leadership.

The official accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering multiple militant outfits, including Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, and warned that Kabul must choose between maintaining ties with Pakistan or continuing to facilitate anti-Pakistan terrorism. He described the Taliban leadership as sustaining a “war economy” under a distorted interpretation of religion.

According to the briefing, Pakistani forces have dismantled more than 180 terrorist-linked posts and seized over 30 strategic positions used to plan and launch cross-border attacks. The official stressed that Pakistan’s actions are limited to legitimate self-defence, with strikes strictly focused on verified terrorist targets threatening civilians, mosques, and children.

He said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is regularly issuing verified updates on the operation, rejecting what he termed as disinformation campaigns run by Afghan Taliban official channels and their alleged Indian backers. He added that Pakistan’s actions have been welcomed by marginalized Afghan communities affected by militant violence.

Clarifying Islamabad’s position, the official reiterated that Pakistan has no intention of interfering in Afghanistan’s internal political setup, stating that any change in governance remains the exclusive right of the Afghan people. “Our conflict is with terrorists, not the Afghan nation,” he said.

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Addressing domestic challenges, the official acknowledged that the deployment of the Pakistan Army in internal security roles is linked to governance shortcomings and incomplete enforcement of the National Action Plan. He urged political stakeholders to strengthen civilian governance and fully implement counterterror frameworks, reaffirming that the military has no political ambitions.

Regional Situation and Iran

Commenting on regional developments, the official said Pakistan is maintaining a balanced diplomatic approach toward Iran, noting that Tehran has appreciated Pakistan’s measured stance alongside China and Russia. At the same time, Pakistan has conveyed concerns over Iran’s actions affecting friendly Arab nations, stressing its desire for a stable and peaceful region.

He dismissed speculation that Pakistan could face similar threats, calling such claims unfounded. “Pakistan’s military strength, diplomatic posture, and counterterror experience make it fully capable of safeguarding its sovereignty,” he said, referencing past successes in Marka-e-Haq and long-term anti-terror operations.

Relations with Saudi Arabia and ISF

Reaffirming close ties with Saudi Arabia, the official described the relationship as strategic, historic, and brotherly. He added that discussions regarding a possible International Stabilization Force remain ongoing, and any decision will be made by the government after comprehensive review.

Countrywide Protests

On domestic protests, the official said peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right, but violence and attempts to incite chaos will not be tolerated. He warned that a small group of agitators would not be allowed to exploit protests to undermine law and order or discredit peaceful demonstrators.