The Ministry of Defence confirms that recent cross-border counter-terrorism operations were specifically directed against the leadership and militant sanctuaries of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating within Afghan territory. This decisive action was a necessary measure of self-defence following the brutal TTP attack that led to the martyrdom of 11 Pakistani soldiers earlier this month.
Speaking on the operations, Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed, “They [TTP] are housed over there, nobody can deny that. And their leadership is there and that is why we went after them when there were strikes in Kabul last week and a couple of other cities.”
#BREAKING: Pakistan confirms carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan in latest conflict:
“[TTP militants] are housed there… we went after them when there were strikes in Kabul last week and other cities,” Defense Minister Kh Asif tells Arab News. https://t.co/mk8f1qw1gs pic.twitter.com/KG1uwFrOFe
— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) October 21, 2025
These targeted, intelligence-based operations were undertaken to eliminate persistent threats utilizing Afghan soil to plot and execute terrorist activities against Pakistani citizens and security forces. The Government of Pakistan remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring that no territory is used to destabilize the region.
Following a period of heightened cross-border tensions and subsequent retaliatory exchanges, a sustained ceasefire has been successfully negotiated, bringing immediate respite to the border region.
Crucially, these diplomatic efforts led to a significant breakthrough in talks held in Doha. An understanding has been reached that Türkiye and Qatar will serve as guarantors for a new security arrangement. This framework is designed to comprehensively monitor and ensure that the TTP is prevented from using Afghan soil to launch any further attacks inside Pakistan.
Minister Asif stated that the mechanism for this arrangement will be finalized during follow-up discussions scheduled for Istanbul on October 25.
The Government of Pakistan is utilizing a robust, two-pronged strategy—combining firm counter-terrorism measures with active, guarantor-backed diplomacy—to achieve lasting peace and security along its western frontier. Pakistan remains committed to a stable and peaceful neighborhood and looks forward to working with regional partners to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.
You May Like To Read: Liverpool’s Ekitike Set for Emotional Return Against Former Club Frankfurt
