Key points
- Pakistan carried out precise self-defence operations after cross-border attacks.
- Operations targeted terrorist groups and their logistical bases inside Afghanistan.
- Foreign Office says actions taken under right to self-defence.
- Taliban regime backs cross-border terrorism.
- Pakistan urges global community to hold Afghan authorities accountable.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday it carried out precise, limited operations inside Afghanistan in self-defence after repeated terrorist attacks from Afghan soil and fresh military provocations by the Taliban regime, warning that any further aggression would draw a decisive response.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan said its defence forces targeted terrorist groups and their logistical support bases following continued attacks by Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, as well as “unwarranted and provocative actions” by the Taliban authorities on the night of February 26. The operations, it said, inflicted heavy losses on terrorist outfits operating from across the border.
The Foreign Office said the actions were undertaken under Pakistan’s right to self-defence to protect its citizens and regional security, in line with international law.
It cautioned that any further provocations by the Taliban regime or attempts by terrorist groups to undermine Pakistan’s security would be met with a “measured, decisive and befitting response.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s stated desire for peace and stability, the statement said, “Islamabad had remained patient and engaged in political and diplomatic efforts to address terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.”
However, it said, Pakistan’s restraint and goodwill gestures were misconstrued, leading to an increase in cross-border attacks carried out with the support of the Taliban regime and India.
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Pakistan reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism operating from Afghan territory and called on the Afghan authorities to end impunity enjoyed by the two groups.
It also urged the international community to send a clear message to Kabul to take concrete and verifiable action against these outfits and cease any form of support.
The Foreign Office stressed that Pakistan reserved the right to take all necessary measures in self-defence to protect its people, in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations.
