Armed Forces of Pakistan decisively repelled unprovoked attack by Afghan Taliban and Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij on Pakistan along Pak-Afghan border last night.
According to ISPR, over two-hundred Taliban and affiliated terrorists have been neutralized while the number of injured is much higher as per credible intelligence estimates and damage assessment.
During overnight skirmishes, twenty-three brave sons of Pakistan embraced shahadat while defending territorial integrity of their beloved country against this outrageous action while twenty-nine soldiers are injured.
Precision fires and strikes, as well as physical raids were directed against Taliban camps and posts, terrorist training facilities and support networks operating from Afghan territory, including elements linked to Fitna al Khwarij, Fitna al Hindustan and Daesh. All possible measures were taken to avoid collateral damage and to protect civilian lives.
As a result of these unrelenting operations, multiple Taliban locations were destroyed all along the border. Twenty-one hostile positions on the Afghan side of border were also briefly physically captured and multiple terrorist training camps, used to plan and facilitate attacks against Pakistan, were rendered inoperative.
The ISPR said the infra-structural damages to Taliban posts, camps, Headquarters and support networks of terrorists are extensive, all along the border and range from tactical to operational depth.
It said the Armed Forces of Pakistan remain ever ready to protect the territorial integrity, life and property of the people of Pakistan. Our resolve to defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity and to defeat those who threaten our security is unwavering.
The ISPR further underscored that the people of Pakistan prefer constructive diplomacy and dialogue over violence and belligerence but they will not tolerate the treacherous use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. Pakistan has noted with concern that this serious provocation has occurred during the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister to India – the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region.
The ISPR said in the interest of regional peace and security, Pakistan calls upon the Taliban Government to take immediate and verifiable actions to neutralize the terrorist groups, inter alia, Fitna al Khwarij, Fitna al Hindustan and Daesh operating from their territory. Otherwise, Pakistan will continue to exercise its right to defend its people by persistent neutralization of terror targets.
The Taliban Government should shun any ill-begotten notions and prioritize well-being, peace, prosperity and development of Afghan people over irresponsible sabre-rattling.
The ISPR highlighted that last night’s episode vindicates Pakistan’s long-standing position that the Taliban Government is actively facilitating the terrorists. If the Taliban Government continues to sponsor terrorist outfits, in cohorts with India, for shortsighted objective of destabilizing the region, the people and the state of Pakistan will not rest until the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is completely eliminated.
