The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has always been rooted in centuries-old bonds of history, religion, culture, and geography. From the creation of Pakistan to the Afghan Jihad, hosting millions of refugees, providing humanitarian assistance, diplomatic support, and economic cooperation, Pakistan has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of brotherhood and sacrifice.Yet in recent years—particularly since the current Taliban regime came to power—cross-border terrorism has continuously increased, anti-Pakistan elements (especially Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, often termed Fitna al-Khawarij) have found safe havens on Afghan soil, and no effective action has been taken by Kabul despite repeated evidence-sharing and diplomatic warnings.
These factors have pushed bilateral relations toward severe tension and repeated border clashes.It is precisely in this context that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Wrath for the Right / Righteous Fury) was launched. This is not merely a military campaign; it is a clear and unambiguous declaration of Pakistan’s state resolve: there will be no compromise on national sovereignty, the protection of citizens, or national security. The goal is the total eradication of terrorism and its sanctuaries—no matter where they are located—until the threat is completely eliminated.On 27 February 2026, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a detailed press conference in Rawalpindi and presented the latest progress and verified facts of the operation. He stated that on the night of 21–22 February, initial intelligence-based strikes targeted TTP and ISIS-K camps inside Afghanistan.
Escalation followed when Afghan Taliban regime forces opened unprovoked fire and conducted incursions at 53 locations across 15 sectors along the border. In response, Pakistan carried out precise, intelligence-driven defensive and retaliatory actions under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.Key Figures from the DG ISPR Briefing (27 February 2026)Enemy casualties: 274 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime and affiliated terrorist groups (including TTP) have been eliminated so far.Injured: More than 400 terrorists wounded.Destroyed infrastructure: 73 Taliban posts completely demolished; 18 posts captured by Pakistani forces.Neutralized military assets: 115 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery pieces, and other hardware fully destroyed or rendered inoperable.Pakistani losses: 12 brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom while defending the motherland.Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized that all strikes were executed with extreme precision to avoid civilian casualties. The targeted locations included terrorist camps and networks in the provinces of Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Khost, Paktika, and others facilities from where TTP and other groups were planning and launching attacks inside Pakistan.
Addressing the Afghan Taliban regime directly, the DG ISPR said they now face a clear choice: either continue supporting terrorist organizations (TTP, ISIS-K, al-Qaeda affiliates, etc.) or restore normal relations with Pakistan. He made it explicit that the regime must choose between terrorist proxies and Pakistan.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited General Headquarters (GHQ) on 27 February 2026, where the military leadership briefed him on the latest operational situation. This visit demonstrates that the political and military leadership stands fully united on matters of national security.Pakistan’s position remains crystal clear: this operation is not a war against the Afghan people or the country as a whole; it is a legitimate act of self-defense against terrorism originating from Afghan soil and the regime’s failure or refusal to act against it. The state has repeatedly shared concrete evidence showing that terrorist networks based in Afghanistan plan and facilitate attacks inside Pakistan.
Regional proxy politics also cannot be ignored. The deepening defense cooperation between India and Israel, and the possibility of anti-Pakistan alignments in the region, form part of the larger strategic picture.At the diplomatic level, Pakistan is actively briefing friendly countries that these measures are fully consistent with international law and the inherent right of self-defense. Pakistan does not seek confrontation or escalation, but it will take every necessary step to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its citizens.Domestically, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq has become a powerful symbol of national unity. The people of Pakistan have expressed complete support for the armed forces and state institutions. This unity is the greatest strength any nation can possess—and it is Pakistan’s real power.Pakistan desires peace. But sustainable peace is possible only when threats to its security are eliminated.
The red lines of the state represent fundamental principles: preservation of sovereignty, protection of citizens, sanctity of borders, and zero tolerance for any use of foreign soil for terrorism against Pakistan.Whether the threat comes from Afghanistan alone or through collaboration with external actors (India, Israel, or others), Pakistan will give a firm and unambiguous response. The political, diplomatic, and military leadership stands shoulder to shoulder—united and determined.From Pakistan’s perspective, pursuing total eradication of terrorism until complete elimination is not only right but essential and morally justified. When a neighboring regime provides safe havens, facilitates planning, and even engages in direct aggression that costs Pakistani lives, the state has both the right and the duty under international law (Article 51 of the UN Charter) to defend itself decisively. Half-measures have failed for years; continued tolerance only emboldens terrorists and endangers more innocent lives on both sides of the border. True peace requires the complete dismantling of these networks—no sanctuaries, no compromises.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq sends a loud and clear message to the world: Pakistan wants peace, but it will never compromise on its defense. Terrorism will be pursued and eliminated until its complete eradication—no matter where the sanctuaries are located
