ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conducted precision airstrikes on seven terrorist camps and hideouts along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in response to a series of suicide bombings inside the country, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Pakistan said early Sunday.
In an official statement, the ministry said the strikes targeted camps linked to Fitna al Khwarij, Pakistan’s term for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), groups Islamabad says were responsible for recent attacks on Pakistani soil.
The ministry said the operations were launched after authorities established the involvement of these groups in multiple suicide bombings, including the attack on an imambargah in Islamabad, as well as incidents in the northwestern districts of Bajaur and Bannu during the holy month of Ramadan. A further suicide bombing in Bannu earlier this week heightened security concerns, officials said.
According to the ministry, responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Afghanistan-based elements of Fitna al Khwarij and ISKP, with investigations linking the attackers to leadership and handlers operating from across the border.
“Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority,” the ministry said.
The strikes come after recent rounds of diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan failed last year to produce concrete measures to halt cross-border militant activity. Islamabad said multiple rounds of talks in Doha and Istanbul sought to secure commitments from the Taliban authorities to prevent Afghan territory from being used by groups such as Fitna al Khwarij and ISKP to plan and execute attacks inside Pakistan.
According to the ministry, “despite repeated discussions, the Afghan side did not undertake substantive action, leaving Pakistan with no option but to take intelligence-based military measures to protect its citizens and national security.”
The ministry described the strikes as a “retributive response,” adding that the intelligence-based operations were carried out with precision and accuracy to disrupt militant infrastructure and prevent further attacks.
Pakistan reiterated its demand that Afghanistan’s interim government fulfil its obligations to ensure its soil is not used for terrorism against other countries, including commitments under the Doha Agreement.
Islamabad also called on the international community to play a constructive role by urging the Taliban authorities to honour those commitments, saying such steps are essential for regional and global peace and security.
The ministry said Pakistan remains committed to stability in the region but will continue to act decisively to safeguard its citizens and national security. Further updates will be issued as the situation develops.
