Pakistan claims it conducted airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan based on “precise planning and calculations.” The Ministry of Information stated that 22 members of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in the operation. Online outlet Geo News reported the news. In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said the strikes were carried out as part of “Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq” with the aim of eliminating terrorists, their networks, and their supporters. The ministry noted that the strikes were executed based on reliable intelligence. Terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, and their associates at two locations were targeted. The statement added that the targets were destroyed with high precision, and preliminary reports indicate that 22 terrorists were killed.
Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stockpiled at these hideouts were also destroyed. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information stated that while Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, the safety and security of its citizens remain the top priority.
Expressing concern, the ministry stated that Afghanistan continues to be used as a hub for terrorism and serves as a source of terrorist threats against Pakistan. The statement noted that, given this situation, operations were conducted to specifically target terrorist centers. At the same time, the ministry emphasized that utmost caution was exercised to avoid collateral damage, including harm to civilians. The ministry further announced that the counter-terrorism operation “Ghazab Lil-Haq”—conducted by Pakistani security forces and law enforcement agencies under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” plan—would continue at full pace. The statement affirmed that the operation would persist until the scourge of foreign-backed and supported terrorism is eradicated from the country.
Incidents of cross-border terrorist attacks in Pakistan have risen significantly since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. Such attacks have occurred frequently, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to ensure that armed groups do not use Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban authorities have failed to take effective action against the groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians; however, Kabul has consistently denied this allegation. Following clashes in various border areas, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025. A few months later, in February 2026, Pakistan launched ‘Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq’. Despite multiple rounds of talks, Islamabad and Kabul have yet to resolve their differences. The issue of armed groups operating from Afghan territory remains a primary source of contention between the two nations.
