Afghan Taliban must choose between Pakistan and militants: ISPR briefing

Journalists from various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended an important briefing at Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) regarding the ongoing counterterrorism campaign, Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq.

During the meeting, officials said that Pakistan has no conflict with Afghanistan or the Afghan people, but alleged that the Afghan Taliban regime was acting as a “proxy master” facilitating terrorist organisations in the region. They said the situation had become a threat to regional peace and stability.

Officials stated that the Afghan Taliban leadership would have to decide between maintaining relations with Pakistan or continuing to support militant groups. They added that Operation Ghazb Lil-Haq was a continuation of Pakistan’s ongoing war against terrorism and would continue until credible guarantees and practical measures were taken to end the alleged sponsorship of militant activities.

The briefing also addressed the activities of groups described as “Khawarij,” accusing them of promoting a distorted interpretation of Islam. Officials said Islam had no connection with terrorism or suicide attacks and condemned the killing of innocent people, attacks on mosques, and violence against women.

Participants were told that Pakistani forces were targeting hideouts, facilitation centres, and border-adjacent launching pads of militant groups described as Fitna-ul-Khawarij and Fitna-ul-Hindustan. According to the briefing, operations were being conducted strictly on the basis of verified intelligence and aimed only at militant infrastructure.

Officials rejected reports suggesting that civilian populations were being targeted, calling such claims contrary to facts. They said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (Pakistan) and security institutions were providing regular updates and releasing verified video footage regarding the progress of the operation.

The meeting was also told that intelligence-based operations were continuing inside Pakistan, with more than 200 such operations reportedly being carried out daily against suspected militant networks.

Officials emphasised that national unity and full implementation of the National Action Plan (Pakistan) were essential for eliminating terrorism. They also reiterated that Pakistan sought constructive and positive relations with all countries while remaining committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.