ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week directed authorities to ensure prompt and comprehensive security measures countrywide, state media reported, as Pakistan’s armed conflict with Afghanistan intensifies. 

The latest clashes between the neighbors erupted after Pakistani airstrikes targeted what Islamabad described as militant hideouts inside Afghanistan earlier this month, drawing sharp criticism from Kabul. Afghanistan’s forces retaliated on Thursday night, firing at Pakistani posts along the border and triggering an armed conflict between the two sides.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Saturday that 352 Afghan Taliban fighters had been killed and more than 535 wounded since the latest phase of hostilities began. Both sides have claimed to inflict massive damage on the other. However, Arab News could not independently verify the claims. 

Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to review the overall security situation in the country, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant federal and provincial institutions to ensure prompt and comprehensive security measures in view of the current situation,” the state media reported on Saturday. 

The premier directed authorities to ensure mutual coordination and coherence in fulfilling their responsibilities, paying tribute to the armed forces for their sacrifices in the “war against terrorism.”

“During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that all security institutions are on alert and all necessary measures are being taken for the security of the country,” the state broadcaster said.

On escalating tensions in the Middle East, Sharif directed Pakistan’s foreign office to repatriate Pakistani nationals stranded in Iran safely via Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, explosions echoed across parts of Kabul before sunrise on Sunday, followed by bursts of gunfire, a Reuters witness said. It was not clear what had been targeted or whether there were casualties.

Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the sounds were the result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over the capital.

“Air defense attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned,” Mujahid said.

Pakistan has said Afghanistan harbors Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, which it ‌said are waging an insurgency inside Pakistan.

Afghanistan has denied the accusation, saying it does not allow Afghan territory to be ⁠used against other ⁠countries and that Pakistan’s security challenges are an internal matter.

Pakistani security sources have said operation “Ghazab Lil Haq,” meaning “Wrath for the Truth,” was ongoing and that Pakistani forces had destroyed Afghan posts and camps.

Diplomatic efforts have intensified, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, the European Union and United Nations urging restraint and calling for talks.