ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday visited General Headquarters for a detailed security briefing on the evolving Pakistan–Afghanistan border situation, as Islamabad reported significant losses inflicted on Afghan Taliban forces during retaliatory operations.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif met senior military leadership and reviewed ongoing operational and security developments along the western border.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister directed that “zero tolerance” be shown toward the nexus between Fitna al-Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban regime, accusing them of orchestrating cross-border violence against Pakistan.
“The activities of the Afghan Taliban regime and Fitna al-Khawarij against Pakistan are unacceptable,” Sharif said, according to the statement.
He reaffirmed confidence in the country’s defense posture, saying Pakistan’s armed forces, under the leadership of Asim Munir, remain fully prepared to defend national sovereignty.
“Pakistan knows very well how to defend itself against any aggression,” the prime minister said, while praising the armed forces for what he called their professionalism and effective response to recent attacks.
Earlier, the military said at least 274 Afghan Taliban fighters and terrorists had been killed so far in Pakistan’s retaliatory action following unprovoked aggression along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
Briefing the media, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan carried out targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan during the night of February 21 and 22, as part of a broader response to border violations.
The prime minister commended the armed forces for repelling attacks in border areas and for carrying out what he termed a “full retaliatory action.”
“The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces for the protection of the motherland,” Sharif said.
