The bombardment by Pakistani fighter jets in Afghanistan’s Paktika province left 46 people, including women and children, dead on December 25. This was Pakistan’s latest strike against terrorist hideouts in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. For much of 2024, Islamabad has been troubled by terror groups operating against Pakistan from Afghan soil. Is this the beginning of a new era against Terrorism in south Asian region?
“Afghanistan’s defense ministry condemned the Pakistani airstrikes saying those killed and wounded were common citizens, including refugees from the Waziristan tribal region. In an official statement, the foreign ministry of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan rebuked Pakistan for trying to create distrust in relations between the two countries.”
Pakistani media attributed the airstrikes to the recent surge in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks in the country. And it comes in the backdrop of Pakistan’s special envoy Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq holding talks with Taliban officials in Kabul. Moreover, this was Pakistan’s second airstrike in Afghanistan, with the first one being in March 2024.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that 13 terrorists were killed in the military’s intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district. It said the terrorists were actively involved in activities against Pakistan’s security forces and innocent civilians. “Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area,” the ISPR said. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country.”
“However, Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense called the strikes barbaric and a clear act of aggression. “The Islamic Emirate considers this brutal bombing a violation of international principles and a clear act of aggression. This cowardly attack will not go unanswered.”
COAS General Hafiz Syed Asim Munir of Pakistan Army said they will strike terror camps wherever they are. “Forces of Islamic Republic of Pakistan will not spare anyone coming into the way of our national security,” he said. “Pakistan has the capability, desire and all the means to deliver a decisive punch.”
Pakistan maintains its right to self defense against TTP. It said the Afghan-based militant group wants to impose Sharia (Islamic religious law) in Pakistan, like the Taliban has done in Afghanistan. Last week at the United Nations Security Council briefing, Pakistani diplomat Usman Iqbal Jadoon highlighted that the TTP has 6,000 fighters. He said the TTP is the largest listed terrorist organization in Afghanistan. “With safe havens close to our border, it poses a direct and daily threat to Pakistan’s security.”
Ihsanullah Tipu, Pakistani security analyst, said Pakistan launched four air raids on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan over the past few years. He believes Pakistan’s approach has been personal. “Actions such as cross-border airstrikes should be part of a comprehensive and well-planned policy instead of reactive measures,” Tipu explained. “The actual reaction may come from the Pakistani Taliban who have been discussing revenge attacks in their internal communications.”
Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan says Pakistan is committed to working with the leaders of Afghanistan to strengthen trade and regional connectivity.
“Pakistan continues to hold diplomacy with its troubled neighbor, but Afghanistan’s reluctance to stem militant groups operating on its soil is a negative factor. This undermines the security of Pakistan and the region as a whole, creating instability and distrust.”
