Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the Taliban regime is acting as a master proxy for terrorists.
Addressing a press briefing in Rawalpindi, the ISPR DG said that Pakistani forces killed 274 personnel of the Taliban regime during Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, while 12 soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom. He referred to a United Nations report which states that nearly 21 terrorist organisations are operating.
He said that on the night of February 21 and 22, hideouts of Fitna al Khawarij were targeted on the basis of intelligence reports. Pakistan took action against terrorists, after which the Taliban regime carried out what he described as a so-called response.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said firing took place at 53 locations across 15 sectors during the night. He said the armed forces were prepared and delivered a swift and effective response, thwarting attacks at all 15 locations. He added that 274 Khawarij were killed and more than 400 injured. Seventy-three posts were completely destroyed, 10 posts were taken over, and 115 tanks and armoured vehicles were destroyed.
He said terrorists were targeted precisely and fled, leaving behind the bodies of their companions. Afghan Taliban and terrorists jointly attacked Pakistan. He said the Afghan flag was lowered with respect due to the Kalima Tayyaba. During the operation, 12 soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom, while 27 were injured.
The ISPR DG said air operations targeted various areas inside Afghanistan. He maintained that no civilian was targeted. He rejected claims circulated by Afghan and social media regarding damage to civilian infrastructure, stating that only terrorist posts and gun positions were engaged.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said targets at 22 locations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia were engaged. He said no civilian was targeted. In Kabul, an infantry brigade headquarters was targeted; in Kandahar, a logistics brigade headquarters was destroyed; and in Paktika, a corps headquarters was destroyed.
He said those involved in carrying out or facilitating terrorism in Pakistan would not remain safe. He added that after Bunyān al Marsūs, India had now fulfilled its desire in Afghanistan. Security forces delivered a swift, effective and comprehensive response.
The army spokesman said attempts were made last night through quadcopters and today through drones. Attempts were made in Sibi, Abbottabad and Nowshera, but the anti-drone system shot them down.
The ISPR DG said the Taliban have a clear choice between terrorist organisations and Pakistan. He said Pakistan’s choice is clear: Pakistan comes first in all matters. He said the country has not hesitated to render sacrifices and will not do so in future. He alleged Indian sponsorship behind terrorism in Pakistan.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said the Taliban regime had signed the Doha agreement and made commitments, including respect for women’s rights and preventing the use of its soil for terrorism. He questioned whether those commitments were fulfilled.
He said Pakistan had issued a warning in October and friendly countries understood that Pakistan’s position was correct. He said the operation conducted last night was justified and carried out in defence. He added that the entire nation and political parties stand united against terrorism under the National Action Plan, and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remains on the front line in the fight against terrorism. Political leadership, he said, is clear that neither terrorism nor its facilitation can be allowed space.
