Pakistan confirms airstrikes against suspected militants inside Afghanistan, Kabul says civilian targets hit

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A Pakistani army soldier stands guard on a border terminal in Ghulam Khan, a town in North Waziristan, on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, on January 27, 2019. (AFP/File)
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Taliban security personnel stand guard along a road after gunfire erupted between Afghanistan and Pakistan border forces at Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in Nangarhar province on February 20, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 18 March 2024
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Pakistan confirms airstrikes against suspected militants inside Afghanistan, Kabul says civilian targets hit

  • Afghan Taliban say Pakistani strikes in Khost, Paktika provinces on Monday killed five women, three children
  • Islamabad says increase in attacks in Pakistan “with the help of the Afghan Taliban and supply of modern weapons”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday confirmed airstrikes against suspected militants in border regions inside Afghanistan, hours after the Afghan Taliban said Islamabad had struck civilian targets, killing five women and three children.

Islamabad’s airstrikes, the sharpest escalation in already deteriorating ties between the neighbors, came two days after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden truck into a military post in northwest Pakistan, killing seven soldiers. The Pakistan army, defense minister and president vowed retaliation in separate statements.

Militant attacks have risen sharply in Pakistan in recent months, many of them claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. The Pakistan government and security officials say most assaults are launched from neighboring Afghanistan, an accusation that has damaged the relationship between Pakistan and the ruling Afghan Taliban, who deny they have allowed Afghan territory to be used by militants.

After a long day of silence following the Afghan government’s confirmation of the strikes, the Pakistan foreign ministry said suspected militant targets in “border regions inside Afghanistan” had been targeted in an operation. 

“The target of today’s operation was the terrorists belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which along with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said.

“The latest attack took place on 16 March 2024 at a security post in Mir Ali in North Waziristan and claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.”

The foreign office said the Afghan interim government had been conveyed Islamabad’s concerns over the past two years regarding the presence of “terror outfits” within its territory, adding that some elements within the Afghan government were “actively patronizing the TTP and using them as a proxy against Pakistan.” The statement did not specify any particular figures in the Afghan Taliban as being responsible. 

“Such an approach against a brotherly country, which stood with the people of Afghanistan through thick and thin, manifests shortsightedness. It ignores the support extended by Pakistan to the people of Afghanistan over the last several decades. We urge these elements in power to rethink the policy of siding with Khwarij terrorists shedding the blood of innocent Pakistanis and to make a clear choice,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said.




This handout photograph taken on March 17, 2024 and released by the Pakistan's Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) shows Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir (C, left) and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza (C, right) carrying the coffin of Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali, who was killed along with other soldiers in a militant attack in north Waziristan district, during the funeral ceremony at Chaklala garrison in Rawalpindi. (Photo courtesy: Military's media wing)

The statement added that Pakistan realized the challenge Afghan authorities faced in combating the threat posed by TTP and that Islamabad continue to work toward finding joint solutions in countering terrorism and preventing terror organizations from sabotaging bilateral relations with Afghanistan.

In a separate statement, the Pakistan army said the recent wave of militancy in the country had the “full support and assistance” of Afghanistan.

“It is clear to all that the recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan has the full support and assistance of Afghanistan,” the army’s media wing said in a statement shared by state-run Pakistan Television on X.

“With the help of the Afghan Taliban and the supply of modern weapons, there has been an increase in the incidents of terrorism in Pakistan.”

The army accused the Afghan government of arming militants and providing safe havens as well as itself being involved in attacks in Pakistan and listed several high-profile attacks in Pakistan recently in which Afghanistan was involved, including an attack on two military check posts in Chitral last September, an attack on an air base in November and an attack on a mosque inside a police compound in Peshawar in January 2023 in which almost 100 people were killed.

Pakistan’s new government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is faced with dealing with fraying ties with three of Pakistan’s four neighbors, India, Iran and Afghanistan.

“BAD CONSEQUENCES”

Earlier, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Pakistani planes had struck civilian targets in the Khost and Paktika provinces early on Monday morning.

“Last night at around 3 o’clock in the Barmal district of Paktika province and in Afghan Dubai area of Sepera district of Khost province, Pakistani planes bombed the houses of civilians,” Mujahid wrote on X.

“As a result, 6 people including 3 women and 3 children were martyred and a house destroyed in Paktika, as well as, two women were martyred due to the collapse of a house in Khost province.”

The Afghan government condemned the attacks and called them a “reckless” violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

“The people of Pakistan and the new government should stop some army generals from continuing their wrong policies … and spoiling the relationship between the two neighboring Muslim nations,” the statement added.

“Pakistan should not blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence and problems in its own territory.”

The spokesman warned that the air strikes could have “bad consequences which will be out of Pakistan’s control.”

In a separate statement on social media platform X, Afghanistan’s defense ministry said its border forces had responded to Pakistan’s airstrikes.

“In response to this aggression, the border forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan targeted Pakistan’s military centers along the fictitious line with heavy weapons,” the statement said.

“The country’s defense and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity in any situation.”

Saturday’s attack on the Pakistan military post was claimed by a newly formed militant group, Jaish-e-Fursan-e-Muhammad. However, Pakistani security officials believe the group mainly comprises members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, which often targets Pakistani soldiers and police from safe havens in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Taliban or TTP are a separate group but are allies of the Afghanistan Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 as the US and NATO troops were in the final stages of their pullout. The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has emboldened TTP, Pakistan says, whose top leaders and fighters are hiding in Afghanistan.

“Terrorism is being conducted mostly from Afghanistan against us,” Pakistani defense minister Khawaja Asif told reporters in Pakistan’s eastern city of Sialkot on Sunday, saying militants were operating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

“We have also raised this issue with Afghanistan.”

In a separate statement on Monday, the Pakistan army’s media wing said security forces had conducted an intelligence-based operation in the restive North Waziristan district on Sunday night in which eight “terrorists,” including a high-value commander Sehra Janan, were killed:

“He was involved in orchestrating the terrorist attack on security forces’ post in Mir Ali on 16 March and was highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies.”


Pakistan security forces kill three burqa-clad militants in northwest – military

Updated 5 sec ago
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Pakistan security forces kill three burqa-clad militants in northwest – military

  • Incident occurred in North Waziristan where the forces launched an intelligence-based operation
  • Pakistani soldiers engaged a militant hideout, forcing those present inside to escape wearing burqas

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed three militants disguised in burqas during an operation in the country’s northwest, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday.
The intelligence-based operation was carried out in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, a district bordering Afghanistan that was once a hub of militancy before Pakistan launched military operations to reclaim the region from armed groups.
North Waziristan, along with the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has witnessed a surge in militant violence since a fragile ceasefire agreement collapsed between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in late 2022.
Pakistan brands TTP fighters as “khwarij,” a historical reference to a radical sect in early Islam known for rebelling against legitimate authority, declaring other Muslims as apostates and justifying their killing.

This handout photo, taken and released by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on February 7, 2025, shows one of three burqa-clad militants killed during an operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (Handout/ISPR)

“On the night of February 6-7, 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Datta Khel, North Waziristan District, on reported presence of khwarij,” the ISPR said.
“During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, as a result of which three khwarij were sent to hell, who were trying to escape wearing women’s attire (burqa),” it added.
The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, whom the military said were actively involved in multiple violent activities in the region.
It added a sanitization operation was ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, reiterating that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eradicating militancy from the country.


PM Sharif urges ‘grants-based’ climate financing for developing nations like Pakistan

Updated 9 min 2 sec ago
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PM Sharif urges ‘grants-based’ climate financing for developing nations like Pakistan

  • Shehbaz Sharif says climate adaption and green transformation is not possible with global support
  • He points at the ‘cruel paradox’ of Pakistan suffering despite accounting for 1 percent of global emissions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for “more flexible and grants-based” financial assistance to help developing countries like Pakistan build climate resilience in a message to a gathering focusing on the issue.
Sharif’s video message was played at the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, a two-day event hosted by Dawn Media Group in Islamabad. The event brought together nearly 100 global experts to address critical climate issues, aiming to foster collaboration and develop actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced erratic environmental patterns attributed to climate change, including extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and floods. These events have led to loss of life, infrastructure damage and food security concerns.
“Pakistan’s climate story embodies a cruel paradox of our times,” Sharif told the gathering. “Our emissions are less than 1 percent, yet we are one of the most climate-affected countries with an unprecedented cycle of climate-induced floods, rapid glacial meltdown, blistering heat waves and soil-cracking droughts.”
“Developing countries like Pakistan need more predictable, flexible and grant-based financial support to build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development,” he continued while reflecting on the nature of international support.
Sharif recalled that two years ago, one-third of Pakistan was submerged in floodwaters, displacing 33 million people and claiming 1,700 lives, transforming climate change from a distant threat to an urgent call to action.
He noted that without global empathy and support, “the path to climate adaptation and green transformation will remain elusive.”
“Therefore, let us make Breathe Pakistan a resounding call to action to ensure a cleaner, greener and more resilient Pakistan for generations to come,” he added.


Pakistan PM inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium, hopes for Champions Trophy victory

Updated 07 February 2025
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Pakistan PM inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium, hopes for Champions Trophy victory

  • Sharif praises the national team for playing good cricket in recent month and winning people’s hearts
  • He says the nation is praying for players and await the time of their ‘decisive victory’ over India in Dubai

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday ahead of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, expressing hope for the national team’s victory in the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has renovated major cricket venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
The PCB said a day earlier that Gaddafi Stadium had been transformed into a world-class facility, now featuring over 34,000 seats, new digital scoreboards and state-of-the-art floodlights to ensure clear visibility for players and spectators during night matches.

National cricket team reveals Pakistan’s Champions Trophy jersey during the inauguration ceremony of renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sharif praised the national team for playing good cricket in recent months, saying Pakistani players had won “the hearts of the entire nation.”
“Championship Trophy is looking forward to your victory,” Sharif said, addressing the players present at the gathering. “We are all praying for you and will wait for the time when you will score a decisive victory against India.”
The prime minister specifically acknowledged star players, skipper Muhammad Rizwan, batting ace Babar Azam and leading pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, saying the nation had tremendous expectations from them.

Fireworks underway as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

Sharif also congratulated PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for overseeing the stadium’s transformation within just 117 days, adding the Punjab provincial administration would ensure foolproof security for the matches played at the venue.
He highlighted that Pakistan was hosting a major ICC event after 29 years and expressed his desire to watch the India-Pakistan match in Dubai, referencing the hybrid model of the tournament after India’s cricket board refused to play in Pakistan, citing “security concerns.”

Pakistani crowd attends the inauguration ceremony of renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9.
The stadium’s inauguration ceremony, attended by high-profile politicians and government officials, was followed by a fireworks display, light show and live music performances.

Pakistani artists perform during the inauguration ceremony of renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

 


Oman eyes Pakistan’s indigenous defense production, deeper air force ties

Updated 07 February 2025
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Oman eyes Pakistan’s indigenous defense production, deeper air force ties

  • Both countries have history of defense cooperation, including military exercises and procurement
  • Oman’s officials expressed interest in closer defense collaboration during Pakistani air chief’s visit

ISLAMABAD: Oman has expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and exploring Pakistan’s indigenous defense production capabilities, according to a statement by the military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Friday.
The announcement follows Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s visit to the Arab country, where he engaged in discussions with civil and military leaders. The air chief was received with full military honors, underscoring the importance of the visit in enhancing bilateral relations.
Sidhu highlighted that both countries had consistently supported each other in challenging times, and the Pakistan Air Force was committed to providing training and support for the Royal Air Force of Oman, from basic to tactical-level training.
“During the meetings, the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman showed keen interest in the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park and expressed a strong desire for enhanced industrial and technological collaboration,” the statement said, referring to a high-tech facility established by Pakistan to promote indigenous defense production, aerospace research and technological innovation.
“The leadership of the Sultanate of Oman expressed a deep desire to expand the existing Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration, underscoring the importance of joint bilateral and multilateral aerial exercises, exchange visits and knowledge-sharing platforms,” it added.
Pakistan and Oman have a history of defense cooperation, including joint military exercises and defense procurement. In October 2020, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen military ties through knowledge exchange and expertise-sharing.
Diplomatically, the two countries share close relations based on mutual cooperation and cultural ties. Oman has an embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate-General in Karachi, while Pakistan maintains an embassy in Muscat.
The ISPR statement informed the Omani officials acknowledged the participation of a Royal Air Force of Oman contingent as observers in Exercise Indus Shield-2024, expressing appreciation for the multi-domain airpower strategies demonstrated, particularly the integration of disruptive technologies in space, cyber and electronic warfare.


Pakistan’s LNG deal with Qatar open to renegotiation next year

Updated 07 February 2025
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Pakistan’s LNG deal with Qatar open to renegotiation next year

  • Country’s petroleum minister previously described the deal as ‘costly,’ expressing interest in revisiting it
  • He says no renegotiation decision has been made, though Pakistan has a whole year to figure out options

KARACHI: Pakistan’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) pact with Qatar allows for either party to initiate renegotiation talks next year but no decision has been taken on whether to do this, Pakistan's petroleum minister told Reuters on Friday.
Musadik Malik was clarifying comments made to a parliamentary committee on energy, as reported in local newspaper The News, which had quoted him as saying: “The Qatar agreement is costly, and we will negotiate better terms next year.”
Malik told Reuters he had been laying out details of the various contracts Pakistan has for LNG. “One provision was price renegotiation could take place at the 10th year of the Qatar LNG deal,” he said, adding that Pakistan has a whole year to “figure out its options.”
Pakistan’s biggest LNG agreement was signed in 2016 between Pakistan State Oil and Qatar's Qatargas-2, the world’s largest producer, for up to 3.75 million tons of LNG a year for 15 years, although a cancellation option can shorten the deal to 11 years if the parties fail to agree a new price.
An economic crisis has slashed power use in Pakistan, which gets more than a third of its electricity from natural gas, saddling it with excess capacity it still needs to pay for under decade-old contracts with independent power producers.
Citing a surplus of LNG, Malik said in December that Pakistan had deferred five contracted cargoes under the Qatar deal for a year and would now receive them in 2026 instead of 2025, with no financial penalty.
He added that Pakistan was also negotiating to defer five more cargoes from other unnamed sellers.