RAWALPINDI: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday that Afghan Taliban fighters together with an Indian-linked group, Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani posts along the Pak-Afghan border on the night of 11–12 October and were decisively repelled by the country’s armed forces. ISPR said the assault — which involved gunfire and limited raids — aimed to destabilise border areas and facilitate terrorism.
Precision strikes, raids rendered multiple camps inoperative
According to the military statement, Pakistani forces exercised their right of self-defence and carried out precision fires, strikes and physical raids against Taliban camps, training facilities and support networks operating from Afghan territory, including elements linked to FAK, Fitna al-Hindustan (FAH) and ISKP/Daesh. ISPR said all possible measures were taken to avoid collateral damage and protect civilian lives.
21 hostile positions briefly captured
The ISPR said multiple militant locations were destroyed along the border and 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side were briefly physically captured. Several terrorist training camps used to plan attacks against Pakistan were rendered inoperative, the statement added.
Casualties and damage
The military reported that 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced shahadat and 29 troops were injured during overnight skirmishes. ISPR cited credible intelligence and damage assessments estimating that more than 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists were neutralised, with a higher number wounded. It said infrastructure at militant posts, camps and support networks suffered extensive tactical and operational damage.
Message to Kabul and call for action
The ISPR reaffirmed the armed forces’ readiness to defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity and warned that the use of Afghan soil for terrorism would not be tolerated. Noting the timing of the provocation during a visit by the Taliban foreign minister to India, the military called on the Taliban government to take immediate, verifiable action to neutralise groups such as FAK, FAH and ISKP/Daesh operating from its territory, otherwise Pakistan will continue persistent counter-terror measures.
Pakistan prefers diplomacy but will defend itself
The statement emphasised Pakistan’s preference for constructive diplomacy and dialogue but made clear that those who threaten national security will face decisive action. ISPR reiterated the armed forces’ resolve to protect the life and property of the Pakistani people and urged the Taliban leadership to prioritise peace, stability and the welfare of the Afghan people over actions that risk regional security.
