Islamabad, March 18: Pakistan’s military has outlined extensive details of its ongoing counterterrorism campaign, Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq, while firmly rejecting allegations of large-scale civilian casualties in recent strikes inside Afghanistan.
The interpretation came during an interview by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry with senior journalist Hamid Mir on Geo News’ Capital Talk.
Addressing reports in sections of Western media, including claims attributed to Afghan Taliban sources of over 400 fatalities in a Kabul rehabilitation center strike, Hamid Mir noted that outlets such as The New York Times have suggested the civilian death toll may be closer to 75. In response, the DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s official stance should be regarded not merely as an explanation but as a factual account. He said the incident must be viewed within a broader strategic context, stressing that Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq is part of a sustained and long-term war against terrorism rather than an isolated action. According to him, this war has been imposed on Pakistan by terrorist groups and their external backers.
The military spokesperson reiterated that India is supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups and using Afghan territory as a base of operations. He stated that many terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including incidents targeting mosques, children, civilians, and police, can be traced back to operatives trained or dispatched from Afghanistan.
Citing specific examples, he noted that attackers involved in incidents in Bajaur and Wana were Afghan nationals, adding that a significant portion of these networks comprises Afghan individuals, with planning and logistical support originating across the border. He further alleged that key militant leaders such as Noor Wali, Bashir Zeb, and Gul Bahadur are being sheltered in Afghanistan, which he described as clear evidence of the country serving as a sanctuary for anti-Pakistan elements.
The DG ISPR highlighted that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign has spanned decades and has largely been borne by its own population and security forces. He maintained that Pakistan’s operations are directed strictly against terrorists and their infrastructure, not against the Afghan people, whom he described as victims of a repressive Afghan Taliban regime.
He also revealed that Pakistan had conducted targeted strikes last month against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts along the Pak-Afghan border. However, he claimed that Afghan Taliban forces subsequently attacked 53 Pakistani check posts, prompting what he termed a proportionate response.
Key points by DG ISPR during the interview:
- The ammunition and drone depot in Kabul was a specific and deliberate target.
- Explosions reported across Kabul were caused by secondary detonations of stored ammunition.
- Claims of civilian casualties are unfounded and part of a disinformation campaign.
- Afghan Taliban are allegedly using drug addicts as suicide attackers.
- Pakistan possesses evidence of coordination between India and Afghan Taliban elements in attacks inside Pakistan.
- Drones used by terrorist groups are being supplied by India.
- The network operates as a proxy of India’s intelligence agency, RAW.
- Pakistan has no conflict with the Afghan population and views them as being held hostage by terrorist elements.
Citing United Nations assessments, he noted that around 22 terrorist organizations are currently active in Afghanistan.
The DG ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s core demand that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. He stressed that Islamabad’s actions are defensive and aimed at neutralizing threats emanating from across the border, amid rising tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The developments mark a significant escalation in the security situation, even as both sides face mounting international scrutiny over the risk of broader regional instability.
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistan has responded after attacks, adding that when Pakistani forces target terrorist hideouts, militants are supported by armed groups on the ground. He stated that 81 locations were struck, all linked to infrastructure supporting terrorism against Pakistan.
He further said that Pakistan did not impose war on Afghanistan, adding that the war against terrorism was imposed on Pakistan. Thousands of Pakistanis have been martyred, and the country has been fighting terrorism for decades.
“Afghan Taliban have sheltered terrorists”
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the Afghan Taliban regime is sheltering terrorists, including within government buildings.
He stated that Pakistan is ready for talks but demanded that terrorists be handed over and their centers dismantled. He questioned whether the Afghan Taliban prioritize terrorism or peace, and whether they stand with TTP or Pakistan.
Responding to a question regarding requests from friendly countries for negotiations, the DG ISPR said Pakistan has never refused dialogue and has engaged multiple times. However, he questioned who could guarantee the conduct of the Afghan Taliban.
He also questioned the justification of terrorism in Islam, asking where such acts are permitted, including suicide attacks and the treatment of women.
The Pakistan Army spokesperson said that smuggling along the Pak-Afghan border had also harmed the country, but both cross-border terrorism and smuggling have decreased. He said those responsible are now paying the price.
He added that terrorists carry out attacks in markets and mosques, but now are constantly on the run and unable to stay in one place. He said 44 Afghan Taliban check posts were captured during the operation.
He further stated that more than 200 counterterrorism operations are conducted daily in Pakistan, and alleged that terrorists spread propaganda on social media through Indian-linked accounts.
According to a military update issued at 1900 hours on March 18, prior to the announcement of a ceasefire, significant losses were inflicted on what Pakistan described as Fitna Al Khawarij elements and associated Afghan Taliban positions:
- 707 militants killed
- 938+ injured
- 255 posts destroyed
- 44 posts captured
- 237 tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery guns destroyed
- 81 terrorist locations targeted through air operations across Afghanistan
The military confirmed that on the night of March 16, Pakistani forces carried out strikes on Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar. These operations reportedly destroyed drone storage facilities, technical support infrastructure, and ammunition depots allegedly used by Afghan Taliban and affiliated groups to conduct attacks inside Pakistan.
In addition, Pakistani forces targeted and destroyed positions in Bajaur, Kurram, Torkham in Khyber district, and the North and South Waziristan sectors.
A video released by the military purportedly shows precision strikes against installations, posts, and camps linked to militant activity. Officials said that no civilian infrastructure was targeted, rejecting what they described as “false propaganda” by Afghan authorities and sections of the media.
Islamabad Bureau adds:
DG ISPR rejected the notion that Pakistan is unwilling to engage in talks, emphasizing that Islamabad has repeatedly pursued dialogue through bilateral, multilateral, and friendly channels. However, he stressed that negotiations cannot proceed alongside continued militant activity.
He said that a verifiable mechanism must be established to ensure that no terrorism occurs in Pakistan, adding that Islamabad has consistently raised concerns about cross-border attacks originating from Afghan soil and has called for transparent systems to address them.
The DG ISPR said that terrorist leadership is being sheltered within Afghan government facilities, where they are frequently moved and protected from accountability. He noted that, in the past, such elements operated with impunity, crossing borders freely while Pakistan was urged to exercise restraint. “That phase is over,” he said, adding that Pakistan now expects those providing sanctuary to militants to demonstrate restraint. He reiterated Pakistan’s demands for decisive action, including handing over terrorists, dismantling their camps, and shutting down recruitment networks.
He further said that militant training camps are operating openly and that certain madrassas are being used to recruit and fund fighters for operations inside Pakistan. “Pakistan’s people and leadership are not naïve. They will not accept violence followed by hollow offers of dialogue,” he said.
Condemning attacks on civilians and security forces, he stated that there can be no justification for “killing Pakistani children, bombing mosques, or targeting soldiers who are the pride of the nation.”
Responding to a question about Pakistani religious scholars who recently visited Afghanistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry said such visits were being misrepresented. “Even if individuals go for preaching purposes, the Afghan Taliban portray it as official dialogue due to their desperation,” he remarked.
On China’s call for engagement between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, the DG ISPR reiterated that Pakistan is not opposed to dialogue but insists that violence must cease first. “It is unacceptable to call for talks while simultaneously sending terrorists into Pakistan. Both cannot coexist,” he said.
He further alleged that no country is willing to guarantee the Afghan Taliban’s commitments, describing terrorism as central to the current Afghan regime’s structure. “Afghanistan under this regime is not a normal state; the terror-crime nexus is their way of life,” he claimed.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also criticized the Taliban for failing to fulfill commitments made under the Doha Agreement, including the formation of an inclusive government, protection of women’s rights, and preventing the use of Afghan territory for terrorism.
Giving details of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq DG ISPR said:
We target these terrorist elements and their networks, imposing significant costs on them. Terrorists can no longer stay in one place, they must constantly move and carry their own personnel, losing their peace and mobility.
▪ Since the start of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, Pakistan has killed 707 terrorists and injured over 938, based on verified figures.
▪ We have destroyed 255 border posts, captured 44 used as terrorist crossing points, and eliminated 237 tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles.
▪ 81 air strikes have targeted terrorist hideouts, ammunition depots, and infrastructure, further weakening their networks.
▪ Reduced cross-border movement have significantly diminished the terrorists’ ability to operate inside Pakistan. Moreover, there is terrorist infrastructure exist in Pakistan and due to op Ghazab Lil Haq there is disruption in a connection between terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
▪ Alongside cross-border operation, Pakistan continues over 200 daily intelligence-based operations within the country, conducted by security forces army, and counter-terrorism departments.
▪ These combined efforts ensure that terrorism is being actively and effectively countered, maintaining national security and public safety.
The interview comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad repeatedly expressing concerns over cross-border militancy and calling for decisive action by Afghan authorities.
