RAWALPINDI/ PESHAWAR: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry Friday said at least 274 Taliban regime personnel and Khwarij had been killed so far, while over 400 were injured in Pakistan’s retaliatory action following unprovoked aggression along the Pak–Afghan border.
However, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar later said in an update that 297 elements of the Afghan Taliban regime were killed in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.
The DG ISPR said that on the night of February 21 and 22, the Pakistani forces carefully targeted the hideouts of Fitna Al Khwarij along the border; however, the Afghan Taliban regime, which is the master proxy of all these proxies operating from Afghanistan, came into action on Thursday night.
He said the Afghan Taliban with coordination of Khwarij opened fire along with raids at 53 locations in 15 sectors on the border.
“This action was undertaken by this master proxy in collusion and with support of Khwarij (TTP) who have been internationally declared terrorists,” he said.
Gen Sharif said 12 soldiers of Pakistan Army were martyred, 27 were injured and one soldier was missing in action.
“The UN report itself says 21 terrorist outfits were working under the master proxy. And then the world and Pakistan saw our response,” he said, adding that raids at all 53 locations were repulsed despite the fact that they used quad copters and weapons.
Gen Sharif said while reserving right to respond, the armed forces of Pakistan gave a strong response at every location.
Giving details, he said 73 posts of the Taliban regime were destroyed, and 18 were in Pakistan’s possession. As per conservative estimates, the Pakistani forces destroyed 115 enemy tanks and armoured vehicles besides targeting the hideouts of Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khwarij and their installations.
Gen Sharif said 22 military installations in Nangarhar, Laghman and Paktika and infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul were also targeted in aerial attacks.
He said utmost care was taken in selecting the targets so that there would be no civilian loss.
“These targets include the corps headquarters, brigade headquarters, sector headquarters, ammunition basis and hideouts which used to shelter terrorists,” he said.
Following Pakistan’s befitting response to the unprovoked firing, the militants fled the areas, leaving behind the bodies of their associates.
He lambasted the Afghan Taliban regime for “patronising terrorists,” warning that if any act of terrorism or suicide bombing occurred anywhere in Pakistan, the response would target not only the perpetrators but also those providing them with shelter or protection. Gen Sharif said Afghanistan will have to choose between terror outfits and Pakistan.
“Our choice is clear, and we will never hesitate to make a sacrifice for it,” he said.
He maintained that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared on both eastern and western borders, saying the country’s interests would be safeguarded at all costs. Sharif announced that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was ongoing and would continue until its objectives were achieved.
He said all political parties were united in their resolve against terrorism, noting a broad consensus in support of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
APP adds: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Friday lambasted the Afghan Taliban administration as an “illegitimate regime” that actively sponsored cross-border terrorism, institutionalised slavery, and orchestrated systematic erasure of women and minorities.
In a powerful media address, Tarar exposed the undeniable nexus between the Afghan Taliban and terror outfits striking Pakistani soil.
He highlighted that the Afghan regime provided safe havens, training, and facilitation to terrorists who crossed into Pakistan to murder innocent civilians and security personnel, citing recent attacks on a mosque, a district court, and martyrdom of Lt. Col. Gulfar Ahmed.
He noted that the recent unprovoked attacks by Afghanistan were met with an effective response from Pakistan’s armed forces, resulting in the neutralization of attackers and capture of several enemy posts.
Going beyond regional security, the minister characterized the Afghan Taliban’s rule as one founded entirely on the “perversion of religion” to serve authoritarian motives.
He said the regime seized power by force without any legitimate process and operated without the backing of its people.
Among the most damning revelations, Tarar highlighted the Taliban’s draconian new criminal regulations, explicitly legalizing slavery, violence, and profound social inequality.
The minister detailed how the regime had divided the Afghan society by status, creating a blatantly discriminatory justice system.
Under these new laws, religious scholars and the elite face mere warnings for offenses, while the middle class faces imprisonment, and the designated “lower class” is subjected to threats and physical beatings.
Furthermore, the regime has explicitly recognised individuals as either “free or enslaved,” treating enslavement as a lawful status within their criminal justice system.
Tarar condemned these actions as a direct violation of international human rights, contemporary Islamic scholarly consensus, and the Cairo Declaration.
The minister fiercely criticized the Afghan Taliban’s horrific treatment of women and children. He pointed out that the regime enforced the widest gender gap in the world, with 80% of young Afghan women between the ages of 18 and 29 denied education.
Women are barred from public parks, gyms, and all avenues of constructive employment, including freelancing, IT and civil service.
The regime has entirely eliminated women from decision-making roles and deployed a 3,000-person enforcement force to physically prevent women from speaking in public or going about their daily lives. Even basic rights to health facilities and vaccinations are being denied to Afghan women and children.
Citing a February 12, 2026, United Nations Security Council report, Tarar noted the regime’s deplorable tactics, including hostage-taking and severe violation of women and girls.
He also referenced international media reports indicating that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had found reasonable grounds to suspect Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani of gender-based persecution, leading to the issuance of warrants for the Taliban leaders.
“The Afghan Taliban regime is based on a system of repression,” said Tarar, reiterating that their oppressive actions and perversion of Islamic teachings had “nothing to do with Islam”.
Pakistan calls upon the civilised world to recognise the severe human rights abuses, systemic discrimination, and state-sponsored terrorism currently defining the illegitimate Afghan Taliban regime, he added.
Mariana Baabar adds: Pakistan Friday turned to the international community to also play its role in sending a clear message to the Afghan Taliban regime that it must abandon its unrelenting support to the terrorist outfits and take a concrete and verifiable action against them.
“In response to the repeated terrorist attacks by Fitna-al-Khwarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan against Pakistan emanating from Afghan soil, as well as the latest unwarranted and provocative actions by the Taliban regime on the night of 26 February, Pakistan’s valiant defence forces have carried out precise operations, inflicting heavy losses on the terrorist outfits and targeting their logistical support bases in Afghanistan,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a media briefing here.
With both countries locked in the conflict, the Afghan Taliban have called for negotiations.
The Taliban regime was warned that further provocations or attempts by any terrorist group to undermine the security and welfare of the people of Pakistan will be met with a measured, decisive and befitting response.
“Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region and has remained patiently engaged in political and diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the menace of terrorism emanating from the Afghan soil. However, it is unfortunate that Pakistan’s numerous goodwill gestures and highly responsible approach were misconstrued, resulting in increased terrorist attacks from the Afghan soil, with the active support and backing of the Taliban regime, as well as India,” said the spokesperson.
Pakistan reiterates its strong resolve and determination to uproot terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and calls upon the Afghan regime to end the impunity with which Fitna-al-Khwarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan continue to operate from Afghan soil, Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan had the right to take all appropriate actions in self-defence and to protect its citizens in accordance with the international law, including the UN Charter.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq talked with his Saudi, Egyptian and Turkish counterparts over phone and exchanged views on recent regional developments, including the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Dar is presently in Jeddah to attend the OIC Extraordinary Ministerial Session.
The Foreign Office said Dar talked to Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
“The foreign minister underlined that Pakistan’s response (against Afghanistan) has been measured but decisive to unprovoked aggression, with Pakistan’s armed forces carrying out successful operations under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also briefed them about the successful air operations under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
All the leaders highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the region, and agreed to remain in touch on the evolving situation.
Russia, Iran, China, Malaysia and the United Nations have also urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to stop cross-border attacks immediately and return to diplomacy amid mounting tensions.
In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said, “Guided by our visionary leadership, the people and armed forces of Pakistan stand together as steadfast guardians of our country’s sovereignty, dignity, and security. Together, we are resolute in our commitment for a peaceful, prosperous and secure Pakistan.”
Mumtaz Alvi adds: The Senate Friday unanimously adopted a resolution, unequivocally condemning the recent acts of unprovoked aggression and hostile cross-border actions emanating from the Afghan territory, and billed them as blatant violations of the world law, established diplomatic norms and the principles of peaceful neighbourly ties.
Moved in the House by the PPP parliamentary leader Sherry Rehman, the resolution demanded that the Afghan Taliban regime immediately cease all hostile actions, prevent the use of their soil for terrorism or aggression against Pakistan, and honour their international obligations and commitments to peaceful coexistence.
The Senate emphatically declared that any attempt to challenge the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national security of Pakistan constituted a direct affront to the dignity of the Pakistani nation and shall be met with a firm, proportionate, and decisive response.
It was recalled with profound regret that for over 40 years, Pakistan had borne extraordinary economic, social, and security burdens in hosting millions of Afghan nationals, extending humanitarian assistance, facilitating peace efforts, and consistently advocating Afghanistan’s stability in international forums often at immense cost to its own national development and internal security.
The House expressed deep disappointment that instead of reciprocal goodwill, Pakistan continued to face hostile rhetoric, cross-border violations, and persistent presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil, reflecting a troubling pattern of ingratitude and disregard for bilateral understandings.
The resolution resolved that while Pakistan remained committed to constructive engagement, regional peace, and mutually respectful relations, its patience must not be misconstrued as weakness, nor its desire for stability mistaken for inability to respond decisively.
The Senate called upon the international community to take serious note of these developments and urge the Afghan Taliban regime to adhere to international norms and prevent further destabilization of the region.
Expressing her views, Sherry said Pakistan had exercised maximum restraint and upheld all diplomatic avenues, but recent hostile actions from Afghan soil had compelled the state to respond within the framework of the international law.
Senator Rehman noted, “The agreements that the Afghan Taliban signed in Doha have now been forgotten. Everyone can see the level of adherence to the commitments made in the presence of important stakeholders. Pakistan did not close the door on diplomacy at any stage, but was forced to respond. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, every country has the right to defend itself”.
She emphasized that a fundamental question before Afghanistan was whether it accepted responsibility for its own territory or not. She also strongly rejected the mischaracterization of Pakistan’s defensive measures.
Rana Sanaullah pointed out that the august house’s unanimous resolution was proof that the entire nation stood with its armed forces while the entire world had seen the truth in the war.
“The existence of the enemy is not beyond the reach of our armed forces. We have given opportunities before too that the neighbouring country should fulfil its responsibility as a state,” he noted.
The terrorists, he contended, were given a chance to desist from their actions and before this, two of our most sincere friends were involved in this matter.
Earlier, PTI parliamentary leader in the House Barrister Syed Ali Zafar in his speech said for him, Pakistan always came first and that the entire Pakistani nation stood united against terrorism.
In case of aggression, he made it clear that the nation had both the right and the resolve to respond decisively in defence of its sovereignty but since the birth of Pakistan, two countries — India and Israel — have tried to damage it. These two nations got together and decided a long time ago that they would use Afghanistan’s soil to destabilise Pakistan. He pointed out that the secret deal between the two countries was revealed and published in 1960s when their officials were conspiring and meeting in European countries. He continued that today the two well-known criminals of the world, PM of Israel Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Modi had again gotten together.
“One is committing genocide in Gaza, while the other is committing genocide in occupied Kashmir. Both have declared that they will use Afghanistan’s soil for their nefarious designs against Pakistan. If any country commits terrorism on Pakistani soil, then it deserves a full and mighty retaliation. No aggressor can be spared,” he emphasised.
Barrister Ali Zafar suggested the establishment of a permanent regional body, comprising neighbouring and regional stakeholder states, like China, to ensure compliance with a collective security framework addressing terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
“Such a mechanism would facilitate a coordinated regional action, intelligence sharing, and monitoring of counter-terrorism commitments to effectively address cross-border security threats,” he maintained and cited Article 4, which guarantees protection of law and due process, and Article 9, which protects the right to life and liberty.
Leader of Opposition Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the armed forces were sacrificing for the homeland, as the nation wanted to end this ‘fitna’ (menace). However, he argued, “we should also wage a fight and find a way out through negotiations or some other means; we have to solve the problems and end the hostilities.”
He proposed a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly on the law and order situation and that the jailed founder of PTI should also be taken on board.
He remarked, “We can sacrifice ourselves for our homeland. A Senate committee should be formed to have a meeting with the party founder in the jail”.
At one point, Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar made a suggestion to the opposition benches and remarked, “The opposition friends are suggested to sit in (rejoin) the standing committees”.
To this, the chairman asked the opposition leader to review and look into the issue of committees (boycott). “I will request you to meet me and discuss it,” said the chairman addressing the leader of opposition.
Muhammad Anis adds: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday directed the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy towards the nexus between Fitna al-Khwarij (FAK) and the Afghan Taliban regime, as well as their subversive activities.
Shehbaz attended a briefing during his visit to the General Headquarters.
He said the actions of the Afghan Taliban regime and Fitna al-Khwarij against Pakistan were unacceptable.
He said the armed forces of Pakistan, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir remained fully prepared at all times to safeguard the country.
He emphasised that Pakistan knew well how to defend itself against any aggression.
He also appreciated the professional capabilities of the armed forces for repulsing attacks in the border areas by the Afghan Taliban regime and delivering a strong and effective response.
The prime minister said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces for the defense of the homeland.
Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ahad Cheema and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Rana Sanaullah were also present.
Geo adds: The Taliban regime Friday offered dialogue to resolve the conflict following the deadly fighting.
“We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution, and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Taliban regime spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a news conference.
AFP/Reuters add: Global powers Friday urged restraint as China, Russia, Iran and the United Nations pressed Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately halt cross-border attacks and pursue diplomacy amid rising tensions.
China said it was deeply concerned over the escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was mediating through its own channels and was willing to play a constructive role in cooling the situation.
Russia called on both countries to immediately halt cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through diplomacy, and said it would consider offering mediation if both sides requested it, according to remarks cited by RIA news agency.
RIA, citing Russia’s foreign ministry, reported that Moscow was urging the two neighbours to cease attacks “immediately” and settle disagreements through diplomatic channels. The foreign ministry also said Russia would consider providing mediation if requested by both parties.
Iran also offered to help “facilitate dialogue” between Afghanistan and Pakistan after tensions flared.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned by the recent tensions, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
Dujarric said Guterres stressed that both countries must strictly fulfil their obligations under international law and underscored the urgent need to prioritise the protection of civilians.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to exchange views on recent regional developments, particularly the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation.
The ministry said Dar underscored that Pakistan responded “befittingly” to unprovoked Afghan aggression, with the armed forces carrying out air operations under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions and said he regretted the loss of life on both sides. He urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to show maximum restraint and immediately stop military operations, while saying Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns should be addressed and Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity respected.
Reconciliation, he said, was only possible at the negotiating table.
Sabah adds: President Asif Ali Zardari Friday expressed the resolve that there would be no compromise on the country’s defence and every act of aggression would be met with a befitting response.
In a statement, the president said no one should have the misconception that Pakistan would be coerced by pressure or intimidation.
“Today, Pakistani nation and their brave armed forces stand like a rock wall to protect the integrity of the motherland and its borders. The response capability of our armed forces was comprehensive, timely and decisive, and they have the full capacity to uproot the evil intentions of the enemy.”
“We do not want confrontation, but if anyone considers Pakistan’s desire for peace as weakness, they will face a strong response.”
He said for the last five years, the ungrateful Taliban regime had been engaged in terrorist acts against its benefactor Pakistan through its TTP terrorists.
He said all our diplomatic efforts and brotherly countries have failed to bring this criminal gang to the correct path.
The president said this criminal and cowardly group crossed the international border and challenged the integrity of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan as a responsible state adopted diplomatic channels and made serious efforts to bring this criminal gang to the path of moderation with the help of brotherly countries but no positive progress could be made.
Asim Yasin adds: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Friday paid rich tribute to the Pakistan Army for launching ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’, saying the swift and decisive response to the unprovoked attack by the Afghan Taliban had once again demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve and defensive strength in the region.
“The Afghan authorities must refrain from acting as a proxy for hostile interests and cease policies that risk further destabilizing the region,” he said in a statement. He said the Kabul regime’s misguided approach left Pakistan with no option but to undertake a firm and measured response. He further said from the eastern borders to the western frontiers, the Pakistan Army remained fully prepared to defend every inch of the homeland.
Reuters adds: The Afghan Taliban “successfully conducted” air strikes using drones to hit military targets in Pakistan, its defence ministry and a government spokesperson said on Friday, as fighting between the neighbours continued.
AFP adds: Saudi Arabia and Qatar are engaged in efforts to halt deadly fighting between the two countries.
“Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, is making efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said a source, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The goal is to “de-escalate the situation and prevent it from spiraling out of control,” they added.
On Friday, acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi called Qatar´s chief negotiator Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Doha said.
Saudi Arabia´s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also spoke with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, according to a Saudi statement.
“Riyadh and Doha have been in contact at the highest levels with both sides, and we hope the confrontation will end as soon as possible,” the source added.
Javed Aziz Khan from Peshawar adds: Three drones were shot down by the anti-drone system in Swabi, Nowshera and Abbottabad, officials said on Friday.
No casualties were reported in the three incidents, they added.
“Fitna al Khwarij terrorists attempted to launch small drones in Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera. Our anti-drone systems brought down all of them. There was no loss of life,” Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar tweeted.
