ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry on Monday reaffirmed that national security remained a top priority following Pakistan’s strikes on terrorist targets inside Afghanistan, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 80 militants.
“Pakistan has always chosen the path of dialogue and peaceful coexistence. But when Afghan soil continues to be used for proxy attacks, we have no choice but to defend our homeland. National security is non-negotiable,” Chaudhry said in a statement.
The PML-N lawmaker said the nation stood united with its armed forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
He called on the Afghan authorities to take firm measures to stop their territory from being used for cross-border militancy, emphasizing that sustainable regional peace required the complete elimination of terrorist safe havens.
Highlighting the recent operation, Chaudhry said it “successfully neutralised militants involved in attacks on Pakistani soil,” adding: “This action was aimed solely at those responsible for violent attacks inside Pakistan. Every precaution was taken to protect innocent lives.”
He also described Afghanistan as having become a hub for several militant organisations. Citing a United Nations report, he stated that members of 21 terrorist groups were operating from Afghan territory, posing a major threat to regional stability.
Chaudhry further accused India of backing militant networks.
“India is actively funding and training these groups, equipping them to carry out cross-border attacks against Pakistan. Such elements deserve no concessions,” the parliamentary secretary asserted.
His comments followed Pakistan’s retaliatory airstrikes targeting groups allegedly involved in recent suicide bombings across the country.
According to security sources, the strikes killed more than 80 militants.
Officials said the operation was launched in response to suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu that resulted in casualties among both security personnel and civilians. Authorities described the action as intelligence-driven and proportionate, aimed exclusively at those responsible for the attacks.
‘Decisive struggle against terrorism’
In a separate statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said Pakistan would not allow destabilisation by groups operating from across the Afghan border.
In a post on X, he wrote: “The citizens of Pakistan, especially the resilient people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stand firmly with our armed forces and security institutions in the defense of our homeland.”
He added: “The sacrifices of our martyrs bind us together as one nation. In this decisive struggle against terrorism, Pakistan stands united, resolute, and unwavering.”
“Our sovereignty is non-negotiable, and the people of this country stand shoulder to shoulder with the state to protect it at all costs.”
