Islamabad (NTN News) — The Pakistani Foreign Office has announced that security forces are conducting targeted operations in border areas to protect citizens from terrorist threats, in line with intelligence-led counterterrorism efforts.
Operations Based on Credible Intelligence
During his weekly briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan avoided commenting on reports of cross-border strikes into Afghanistan, but reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its people:
“Our security forces and law enforcement agencies conduct targeted operations in border regions to protect our citizens from terrorist threats, particularly groups such as TTP or Fitna al-Khwarij. These operations are meticulously planned based on credible intelligence and carried out with precision.”
Respecting Sovereignty While Emphasizing Dialogue
Khan added that Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan and remains committed to engaging in diplomatic dialogue to tackle shared security challenges. He expressed hopes that Afghanistan prevents its territory from being used as a staging ground for attacks on Pakistan.
He further stated:
“Groups like TTP represent a shared threat to regional peace and stability, requiring collaborative measures to neutralize their malign influence.”
The spokesperson underlined that from the Prime Minister’s office down to senior officials, Pakistan has consistently conveyed the seriousness of terrorist threats emanating from across the border.
On Afghanistan’s Foreign Ties
When asked about the Afghan interim foreign minister’s recent visits to India and Moscow (following UN sanctions lifting), Khan declined to comment on those bilateral relations, stating that such matters lie between Afghanistan and the respective nations. Still, he urged Afghanistan to avoid letting its soil be used against Pakistan.
Balancing Action and Diplomacy
While Pakistan asserts its right to protect its citizens through security measures, its official stance stresses that dialogue and regional engagement must continue. The country hopes to strengthen partnerships with Kabul to jointly counter terrorism, rather than escalating tensions.
