NEWS DESK (MNN); Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Saturday that at least 331 Afghan Taliban operatives have been killed and more than 500 injured in the ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.
According to official updates shared on X, Pakistan’s security forces have inflicted heavy losses through precision strikes. So far, 104 Taliban checkposts have been completely destroyed, while 22 others have been captured. Additionally, 163 tanks and armoured vehicles have been destroyed.
The Pakistan Air Force has targeted 37 locations across Afghanistan. On the second day of the operation, the military continued responding to what officials described as unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban. Security sources said the coordinated ground and air campaign aims to neutralise cross-border threats and ensure national security.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq following cross-border firing from Afghan territory. The United States has expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against militant attacks.
Ground Situation and Security Measures
Authorities in Landi Kotal shifted 37 under-trial prisoners to Jamrud after mortar shells landed near tehsil offices. The Mohmand district administration ordered Afghan nationals in Haleemzai and Safi tehsils to relocate to camps in Peshawar as part of a provincial relocation and registration drive. Several individuals were taken into custody during enforcement operations.
The Pakistan Army destroyed multiple Afghan Taliban posts in sectors including Noshki, Ghulam Khan, Miranshah, and Qila Saifullah, foiling infiltration attempts and killing several militants.
Rallies were held in Karak and Banda Daud Shah in solidarity with the armed forces. Deputy Commissioner Asad Sarwar led a demonstration in Karak city, joined by officials, civil society members, and local residents carrying national flags.
Misinformation Rejected
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dismissed reports of a Pakistani jet being shot down in Nangarhar and the alleged capture of a pilot, calling the claims false and recycled propaganda. Officials said no aircraft losses were reported.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership expressed willingness to negotiate following Pakistan’s air strikes. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi conveyed readiness for dialogue during a phone call with Qatar’s Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalifi.
Regional and global powers have urged restraint:
- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered mediation.
- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged counterparts from both sides.
- China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called for restraint and confirmed mediation efforts.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged a return to diplomacy.
- UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed grave concern.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
- ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric stressed civilian protection.
US President Donald Trump, speaking in Washington, said he maintains strong relations with Pakistan’s leadership and suggested he would not directly intervene at this stage.
Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq remains ongoing, with officials stating it will continue until its objectives are achieved.
