Pakistan rejects India’s criticism over Afghan strikes

Pakistan has strongly rejected India's criticism of its recent military actions against terrorist hideouts located inside Afghanistan.

Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s criticism of its recent military actions against terrorist hideouts located inside Afghanistan.

The Foreign Office described India’s statement as baseless and said Pakistan’s actions were legitimate, targeted and proportionate responses to security threats.

Responding to media queries, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan carried out the operation in accordance with international law and its right to self-defence.

He stated that the action was aimed solely at terrorist infrastructure and was intended to protect the lives and security of Pakistani citizens.

The spokesperson termed India’s comments unjustified and accused New Delhi of attempting to misrepresent Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

According to Pakistan, India has historically interfered in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries and violated principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Foreign Office also accused India of supporting and sponsoring militant groups operating from Afghan territory against Pakistan.

Pakistan alleged that such activities violate international obligations and contribute to instability in the region.

The spokesperson further accused India of playing a disruptive role in regional affairs and urged the international community not to accept what Pakistan described as unfounded allegations against Islamabad.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Tahir Andrabi said the country would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens and national security interests.

The diplomatic exchange comes after Pakistan launched precision strikes against militant hideouts located in several Afghan provinces.

According to official statements, the operation targeted camps and safe havens allegedly used by members of banned militant organisations involved in attacks inside Pakistan.

The operation reportedly took place in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar.

Pakistani authorities stated that 29 militants were killed during the strikes and that weapons depots and logistical facilities were destroyed.

The military operation was carried out under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq during the night of June 28 and 29.

Officials said the operation followed a series of terrorist incidents in different parts of Pakistan, including attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Karachi.

One of the major incidents occurred at a Rangers camp in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, where militants launched an attack on security personnel.

The attack resulted in the martyrdom of three Rangers officials, while four others sustained injuries.

Security forces killed three attackers during the exchange of fire and arrested another injured suspect, who was identified as an Afghan national.

Pakistani authorities linked the attack to militant groups operating from across the border.

Officials stated that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was launched following increasing security threats and repeated attacks against Pakistani security forces.

Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to take action against groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

According to officials, Islamabad has urged Kabul to dismantle militant infrastructure and prevent the use of Afghan soil for activities targeting neighbouring countries.

Counterterrorism cooperation and border security continue to remain major issues in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistani authorities maintain that lasting peace and stability in the region depend on effective action against militant organisations operating across borders.