ISLAMABAD: Amid swirling claims of airstrikes inside Afghanistan, Pakistan has chosen its words carefully, sidestepping confirmation of any operations beyond its borders.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the matter on Thursday, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens against terror threats, particularly from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, she refrained from directly acknowledging any action on Afghan soil.
“Our security and law enforcement personnel conduct operations in border areas to protect our people from terror groups, including the TTP. These operations are based on verified intelligence and always consider the safety of civilians,” she stated at a weekly briefing, adding, “Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty.”
The ambiguity came as Afghan officials lodged a formal protest, alleging that Pakistani airstrikes targeted four locations in the Bermal district of Paktika province on December 24. Despite repeated questions, Baloch stuck to a measured response, avoiding any explicit mention of cross-border action.
She reiterated Pakistan’s preference for diplomacy, stressing that both nations must collaborate to address the shared threat posed by terrorist groups. “Terror groups threatening Afghanistan and Pakistan need to be countered jointly. Afghanistan should reclaim its sovereignty and security, which is critical for regional peace,” she noted.
The alleged strikes, reportedly the second of the year, coincide with a surge in TTP-led attacks, including a recent assault in South Waziristan that claimed the lives of 16 Pakistani soldiers.
While maintaining its respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, Pakistan underscored the importance of engagement. “Our special envoy has been in discussions with Afghanistan regarding terror groups with sanctuaries there. We prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to resolve these issues,” Baloch said.
On another note, when asked about calls from certain Trump-era officials for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Baloch dismissed the remarks as individual opinions. She emphasized Pakistan’s focus on fostering a constructive relationship with the U.S. rooted in mutual respect and non-interference.
As the dust settles on these allegations, Pakistan’s careful rhetoric underscores the delicate balancing act between countering terrorism and maintaining bilateral ties with its neighbor.
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PRESS UPDATE