Islamabad: A senior Pakistani security official on Monday said Operation Ghazab Lil Haq will continue until Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities provide “verifiable assurance” that militant groups operating from their soil are no longer being facilitated.
Speaking to media persons, the official said the Afghan Taliban must choose between maintaining ties with Pakistan or allowing armed groups to use Afghan territory for attacks.
“Operations in Afghanistan will end when the Taliban regime gives verifiable guarantees of compliance with Pakistan’s demand to stop facilitating Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan,” the official said, adding that Pakistan is “in no hurry” to conclude the campaign. The duration of the operation, he noted, depends on actions taken on the ground by Afghan authorities.
The official accused the Afghan Taliban regime of harbouring multiple militant groups and described it as a “proxy master” destabilising regional peace. He further alleged that the regime benefits from a “war economy” under the cover of religious ideology.
According to the briefing, Pakistani forces have destroyed more than 180 posts and captured over 30 others deemed to have tactical significance. The official said these positions were allegedly being used as launch pads to facilitate militant attacks inside Pakistan.
He maintained that Pakistan’s operations are focused specifically on terrorist sanctuaries and infrastructure supporting militant groups, calling them “legitimate self-defence targets” in what he described as a war imposed on Pakistani citizens.
The official rejected allegations that Pakistan seeks regime change in Afghanistan, stating that such matters are the prerogative of the Afghan people. He also urged the public to verify information circulating online, accusing Afghan Taliban-linked accounts and their “Indian masters” of spreading disinformation.
On domestic security, the official said the Pakistan Army’s involvement in internal security stems from governance gaps and incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP). He called on political parties and governments to improve governance and fully implement counterterrorism measures, emphasising that the armed forces have “no interest in politics.”
Situation in Iran
Addressing regional developments, the official said Pakistan is pursuing a “balanced policy” regarding Iran and desires a stable and peaceful neighbour. He said Pakistan has expressed concern over attacks targeting brotherly Arab countries and values its longstanding strategic ties with Saudi Arabia.
He dismissed speculation that Pakistan could become the next target in regional hostilities as “misplaced,” stressing that Pakistan’s military posture, foreign policy orientation and internal dynamics differ from those of Iran.
Pakistan, he said, remains fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing recent operations against militant groups as evidence of operational readiness.
Regarding the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), the official said details are yet to be finalised and any decision on Pakistan’s participation would be made by the federal government after due consideration.
Countrywide Protests
On protests linked to regional tensions, the official said peaceful demonstration is a constitutional right but warned that violence under the guise of protest would not be tolerated.
“Any attempt to create chaos will be dealt with according to law,” he said, adding that a small number of miscreants should not be allowed to undermine peaceful protesters.
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