The Foreign Office says the operation targeted terrorists affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Pakistan in collaboration with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).


Lahore: The Foreign Office (FO) confirmed on Monday that Pakistan conducted “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations” within Afghanistan's border regions, shortly after Kabul reported airstrikes on its territory resulting in eight fatalities.
The Foreign Office said that the operation targeted terrorists affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Pakistan in collaboration with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These attacks have led to the deaths of civilians and law enforcement personnel, including the recent incident claiming seven Pakistani soldiers' lives in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.
The airstrikes followed President Asif Ali Zardari's declaration of retaliation for the soldiers' deaths, emphasizing Pakistan's resolve to defend its borders and territory against any aggression. The Hafiz Gul Bahadar group had claimed responsibility for the Mir Ali attack, with security officials noting their operations from the Afghan side, particularly in Khost.
These strikes coincide with increased communication between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban leadership. Pakistan's envoy in Kabul recently met with Mullah Shirin Akhund, the Taliban governor of southern Kandahar, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagements.
The FO reiterated Pakistan's longstanding concerns to the Afghan government regarding terrorist elements, including TTP, finding sanctuary in Afghanistan and launching attacks into Pakistan. Emphasizing respect for Afghanistan's sovereignty, Pakistan consistently advocated for dialogue and cooperation to address shared security challenges.
Expressing dismay over certain Afghan authorities' support for TTP, the FO urged a reconsideration of such policies, highlighting Pakistan's historical support for Afghanistan.
It underscored the collective threat posed by groups like TTP to regional peace and affirmed Pakistan's commitment to collaborative counterterrorism efforts.
Pakistan reaffirmed its dedication to finding joint solutions to combat terrorism and prevent any strain on bilateral relations with Afghanistan.

FIA issued fresh notices in Farhan Malik's bail petition case
- 28 minutes ago
India's Waqf Bill: A threat to Muslim property
- 36 minutes ago

Heat intensifies across Punjab, no rain expected
- an hour ago
Nobel Institute criticizes Imran Khan's Nobel nomination as political move
- an hour ago

Robbers attack Customs checkpoint, abduct three officials
- 2 hours ago
Trump imposes 29% tariff on Pakistani goods as part of new trade measures
- 2 hours ago
3-year-old dies after falling into open manhole in Karachi
- 22 minutes ago

The self-defeating tragedy of the Trump tariffs
- 7 hours ago
Korangi Creek blaze persisting despite containment efforts
- an hour ago

51 FIA personnel dismissed for alleged collusion with human traffickers
- 2 hours ago
Indian actress Shalini Pandey reveals dark side of film industry
- 10 minutes ago
NHA increases toll rates by 15-50% across motorways and highways
- 2 hours ago