RAWALPINDI — A senior Pakistani security official said operations in Afghanistan will continue as part of efforts to defend Pakistan against cross-border militant threats, stressing that the country does not seek control over Afghan territory but aims to protect its security interests.
Speaking to senior journalists in Peshawar, the official said attacks inside Pakistan are being planned from locations across the border and claimed that militant groups operating from Afghan territory remain a major security concern for Islamabad.
According to the official, Pakistan has carried out 56 strikes inside Afghanistan targeting locations used by militant groups. These operations have destroyed 226 suspected militant posts, including 36 launch sites allegedly used to plan and execute attacks against Pakistan.
The official said the strikes were directed at specific targets linked to militant activity rather than Afghanistan or its civilian population. He added that the objective of the operations is to disrupt networks responsible for cross-border attacks.
The official also claimed that members of groups described as Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hind, including figures such as Mufti Noor Wali and Hafiz Gul Bahadur, are being sheltered in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan believes militant infrastructure across the border is enabling attacks inside the country.
Border security and counterterrorism efforts
The official said Pakistan remains focused on strengthening security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and will continue defensive measures if militant activity persists.
He stated that recent actions by Pakistani forces have reduced cross-border firing from the Afghan side and disrupted militant infrastructure believed to be used for attacks inside Pakistan.
The official also said the purpose of a recent strike near Bagram Air Base was to target weapons depots and logistical facilities that could potentially be used against Pakistan.
Domestic counterterrorism coordination
On the internal security situation, the official said effective implementation of the revised National Action Plan could significantly reduce extremist violence in Pakistan.
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He also said the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is cooperating with federal authorities on counterterrorism efforts and understands the nature of the threats facing the province.
The official noted that strengthening the capacity of provincial police forces could help improve security and counterterrorism operations.
Regional security context
The official said developments in the Middle East do not pose a direct threat to Pakistan and rejected comparisons between Pakistan and Iran in the context of current regional tensions.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s military remains prepared to defend the country under any circumstances and that Islamabad’s actions are focused on preventing cross-border militant attacks rather than interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
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