Key points
- Pakistan Army continues precision strikes on Afghan posts, aiding cross-border militancy
- Operations follow destruction of 19 Afghan positions used for attacks inside Pakistan last night
- Forces on Eastern border placed on high alert amid fears of Indian provocation
- Islamabad blames “Indian-sponsored nexus” for destabilising both sides of the frontier
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected a ceasefire request from Afghanistan after a night of intense cross-border fighting, continuing targeted strikes against militant hideouts and Afghan military posts allegedly aiding attacks on Pakistani soil, security officials said on Sunday.
According to the official sources, while the Pakistan army is responding to aggression on the western frontier, forces were placed on heightened alert along the eastern border amid fears that India could exploit the escalating tensions.
According to field updates and confirmations from security sources, Pakistan Army’s precision operations remained in full swing across Kurram, Kharlachi, and Bramcha sectors, targeting Afghan border posts allegedly providing cover to cross-border militants. The continuing campaign, they said, is a follow-up to the overnight operations in which 19 Afghan posts were destroyed and captured after being found involved in attacks on Pakistani soil.
Officials confirmed that the strikes over the weekend hit Doran Mela, Turkmanzai, and Shaheedan positions, while the Kharchar Fort — described as a command center for the so-called Khawarij terrorist network — was “completely neutralised” in targeted shelling supported by surveillance drones. Several Afghan positions were abandoned, with reports of heavy casualties among the aggressors.
Kabul’s ceasefire request rejected
Security sources told ARY News that the Afghan interim government had proposed an immediate ceasefire after suffering “heavy battlefield losses” and retreating from several forward posts, but Islamabad turned down the offer, saying operations would continue “until every terrorist hideout is dismantled.”
“This is not a war against Afghanistan’s people,” one senior official maintained. “Our actions are strictly aimed at neutralising India-backed militant networks using Afghan territory to destabilise Pakistan.”
“Afghanistan playing into India’s hands”
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif reiterated that Afghanistan was “playing into India’s hands,” confirming that Pakistan had already shared credible intelligence of India’s role in orchestrating cross-border terrorism through Afghan soil. “We have given proof that India is orchestrating these attacks from behind the scenes — and Afghanistan is letting itself be used as a pawn,” he said in a televised statement.
Eastern border on high alert
Meanwhile, credible intelligence assessments have prompted Pakistan to place its Eastern border formations on high alert, amid fears that India — “already behind the Afghan side’s aggression” — could attempt to exploit the western-front tensions. Sources warned that Indian forces might stage a “diversionary provocation” or facilitate infiltration attempts through militant groups based in Afghanistan.
Speaking to Radio Pakistan’s Sunday Special programme, Brigadier (R) Said Nazir said that “the chances of an Indian misadventure cannot be ruled out in the given situation.” He added, “But if it does, it would be the second such mistake within one year, as it did in May to get a devastating response from Pakistan.”
Precision and restraint
Earlier, a military spokesperson had reiterated that Pakistan’s operations are being conducted with precision and restraint, focusing exclusively on posts providing active support to cross-border terrorism. “Our engagement remains targeted, deliberate, and necessary to ensure national security,” the statement read.
Regional implications
Analysts view the flare-up as part of a larger India–Afghanistan security nexus aimed at stretching Pakistan’s defences on both fronts. They note that India’s decision to reopen its Kabul mission and publicly describe Afghanistan as a “close friend” underscores the evolving alignment hostile to Islamabad’s interests.
Observers also say the latest escalation is as much about geopolitical signalling as it is about counter-terror operations — an assertion of Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty against both militant and state-backed threats.
International reactions
The United Nations and China on Sunday called for restraint, urging both sides to resolve the situation through dialogue and prevent further regional instability. Beijing reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and its “legitimate security concerns,” while Iran offered to mediate in de-escalation efforts along the border.
Diplomatic sources also confirmed that the United States has been monitoring the situation closely, expressing concern that the violence could undermine counter-terrorism coordination in the region.
Looking ahead
Military sources confirmed that operations along the western border would continue “until the threat is decisively neutralised.” In contrast, surveillance and readiness levels along the Line of Control and the international border with India will remain “at maximum vigilance.”
