Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq under way as Pakistan responds to ‘unprovoked aggression’ from Afghanistan

By Naeem Hanif 

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — Pakistan’s military has launched “Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq” in response to what it described as unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban regime, with ground and air operations continuing against identified military targets inside Afghanistan, security sources said on Saturday.

According to officials, the Pakistan Air Force carried out precision strikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, targeting what were described as Afghan Taliban brigade and battalion headquarters. Security sources claimed the installations were destroyed during the operation.

The sources maintained that Pakistani forces were strictly adhering to international law and engaging only military objectives. They added that the operation would continue until its stated objectives were achieved.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not yet issued a detailed public breakdown of casualties or damage assessments but reiterated that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to cross-border threats emanating from Afghan territory.

Propaganda claims rejected

Security officials rejected what they termed “misleading propaganda” circulating on social media, allegedly aimed at concealing losses suffered by Afghan Taliban forces.

They said an image being shared online purporting to show a recently downed Pakistani aircraft was, in fact, from 2025 and depicted the wreckage of a training aircraft unrelated to the current hostilities.

Afghan response

Taliban official Zakir Jalali said Afghanistan was pursuing “active diplomacy” alongside what he described as “legitimate and responsible” military action.

Islamabad, however, has maintained that cross-border militancy must end before any dialogue can move forward. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said there would be no talks unless “terrorism from Afghanistan comes to an end.”

Emergency in Bannu

Amid rising tensions, Pakistan imposed a state of emergency in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing security concerns linked to the evolving situation along the border.

Authorities have heightened security across sensitive areas and reinforced troop deployments near key crossing points.

International concern

The escalating conflict has drawn international concern. The Council of Europe and several countries have urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomatic engagement.

A spokesperson for the United Nations, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN was particularly concerned about fighting near a crossing used by Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan, warning that further violence would exacerbate Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian crisis.

US President Donald Trump, when asked about the conflict, praised Pakistan and its leadership, saying the country was doing “terrifically well,” but did not elaborate on Washington’s position regarding the hostilities.

Regional implications

The latest flare-up marks one of the most serious escalations between the two neighbours in recent years. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of failing to curb militant groups operating from Afghan soil, while Afghan authorities have denied the allegations.

With military operations ongoing and diplomatic channels strained, observers warn that the situation risks further destabilising an already volatile border region unless urgent efforts are made to restore calm.