Islamabad— Pakistani forces have responded forcefully to what security officials described as unprovoked firing from the Afghan side of the border, hitting multiple enemy posts and militant hideouts, officials said. Local sources reported that several Afghan positions were damaged, dozens of fighters — including members of militant groups — were killed, and Taliban units abandoned posts and retreated.
According to security briefings shared with media, the Pakistan Army employed artillery, tanks and a range of light and heavy weapons in a coordinated counter-strike. Air assets and drones were also used to target alleged ISIS and foreign militant sanctuaries near the frontier. Military sources said the strikes inflicted serious losses on hostile formations and disrupted their ability to operate along the border.
Officials said the cross-border incidents involved firing from multiple sectors including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir and Chitral on the northwest front, as well as Baramchah in Balochistan. Sources added that one apparent objective of the Afghan-side actions was to facilitate the movement of militant groups across the frontier — a claim Islamabad has repeatedly warned against.
An official quoted by local media said Pakistani positions reacted swiftly and with overwhelming force, destroying several enemy posts and causing heavy casualties among the attackers. The same sources reported that some Taliban fighters left behind bodies and abandoned positions during the fighting.
Foreign ministry reaction and political context
The Foreign Office said in a statement that Islamabad condemns remarks by visiting Afghan officials that sought to shift responsibility for terrorism onto Pakistan. Islamabad also indicated it has taken note that the reported surge in cross-border activity coincided with an Afghan foreign minister’s visit to India.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking earlier about rising cross-border violence, said the country must make decisive choices to halt terrorism. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has likewise told parliament that Pakistan will press Afghanistan to stop allowing hostile elements to use its soil.
Human cost and on-ground picture
Security sources emphasised that the army’s response targeted militant camps and foreign fighter formations near the border. They said some Afghan units retreated after facing sustained fire. Independent verification of casualty figures from the Afghan side is not available at this time. Local reports quoted officials saying that Pakistani operations continue as troops attempt to neutralise threats near the frontier.
