ISLAMABAD: Here is a chronology of what has happened so far after tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into the most serious cross-border clashes in recent months, prompting Islamabad to launch Operation Ghazab Lil Haq in response to what it described as unprovoked Taliban aggression.
Air Strikes in Kabul and Key Provinces
Pakistan carried out air strikes on multiple Taliban military targets, including two locations in Kabul. The first strike occurred shortly before 2:00 am local time.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Taliban defence targets were hit in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar.
Explosions were reported in the Afghan capital, with international media confirming a loud blast overnight.
Border Clashes Trigger Escalation
The escalation began late Thursday when Afghan Taliban forces launched attacks on Pakistani border posts in sectors including Bajaur and Mohmand.
Pakistani officials said two security personnel were martyred in the initial exchange. In response, dozens of Taliban fighters were killed.
State media also reported that an attempted militant infiltration near Bajaur was successfully thwarted.
Heavy Taliban Casualties and Posts Destroyed
According to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, 133 Afghan Taliban operatives have been killed and more than 200 injured in the operation so far, with 27 Taliban posts destroyed and nine captured.
The strikes reportedly targeted Taliban installations in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar provinces.
Visuals of Counter-Offensive at Torkham
State broadcaster PTV News shared visuals it said showed Pakistani forces destroying Taliban posts at the Torkham border, and reported the destruction of ammunition depots and command centres as part of the counter-offensive.
Mosque Targeted in Bajaur
According to Pakistan’s state broadcaster, Afghan Taliban forces targeted a mosque in Bajaur, severely damaging its roof.
Officials condemned the act as reckless aggression and evidence of Taliban disregard for civilian safety.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq Announced
Shortly after midnight, Pakistan formally launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.
The Pakistan Air Force struck an ammunition depot in Nangarhar province, while coordinated air and ground operations expanded to additional Taliban strongholds.
State media later confirmed that Taliban military installations were destroyed in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar.
Visuals shared by Pakistani outlets showed Taliban posts at the Torkham border being destroyed. Reports also indicated Taliban fighters fleeing some positions as Pakistani forces intensified operations.
Casualties Mount
As the operation progressed, casualty figures steadily increased:
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Initial reports cited 44 Taliban operatives killed.
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Later updates confirmed 58 militants killed and more than 100 injured.
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By early morning, officials confirmed 133 Taliban fighters killed and over 200 wounded.
Authorities also said 27 Taliban posts were destroyed and several others captured.
Taliban Acknowledge Strikes
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities acknowledged air strikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, confirming the scale of Pakistan’s response.
Unified Political Response in Pakistan
Pakistan’s political and military leadership presented a united front.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared there would be “no compromise on the defence of the homeland.”
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would not compromise on peace or territorial integrity.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared an “open war,” accusing the Taliban of destabilising the region and acting against Pakistan’s security interests.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the Taliban’s actions as a “terrible mistake.”
Opposition leaders, including the PTI chairman, also stated that Pakistan would not hesitate to counter threats.
Further Operations Underway
Officials confirmed that counterattacks are ongoing.
The information minister emphasized that the strikes are targeted and defensive, aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and deterring further cross-border aggression.
Authorities reiterated that Pakistan has consistently sought diplomatic engagement but will respond decisively when its territorial integrity is challenged.
