A senior Pakistani security official said Islamabad will continue cross-border operations under Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq until the Afghan Taliban government provides “verifiable assurances” that it has ended support for militant groups operating against Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, the official said Afghan authorities must decide “whether they stand with Pakistan or with terrorist groups using their soil.”

He said operations inside Afghanistan would continue as long facilitation of “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” persists.

“We are in no hurry. The duration of Pakistan’s operations depends on ground actions by the Afghan Taliban government,” he added.

The official accused the Afghan Taliban of acting as a “proxy master” backing multiple groups destabilising the region, and of sustaining a war economy under the cover of religious ideology.

He alleged that financial and strategic interests were driving the leadership’s policies.

According to the official, more than 180 checkposts have been destroyed and over 30 key locations captured, sites he said were being used as terrorist launch pads.

Pakistan is targeting “safe havens and facilitators” in legitimate self-defence after attacks on Pakistani civilians, mosques and children.

He rejected allegations of indiscriminate strikes, saying only specific infrastructure linked to militant groups was being targeted.

He also dismissed claims circulated through Afghan official accounts as “fabricated propaganda,” urging independent verification.

The official said Pakistan has no dispute with the Afghan people and that operations are directed solely at militants and their supporters.

He added that Islamabad has no role in any change of government in Afghanistan, calling it an internal matter for Afghans.

On internal security, the official said the military’s role has expanded due to governance gaps and incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan. He urged political parties and governments to improve governance and depoliticise institutions, stressing that the armed forces have “no interest in politics.”

Iran policy and regional tensions

Addressing the situation in Iran, the official said Pakistan is pursuing a “balanced policy” and seeks a stable and peaceful Iran.

He said Tehran had appreciated Pakistan’s response to recent developments, adding that China and Russia had echoed similar positions.

At the same time, Pakistan conveyed concerns over Iranian strikes on Arab countries, he said, rejecting speculation that Pakistan could be the next target as “baseless.”

The official reaffirmed that Pakistan maintains an independent and robust foreign policy anchored in constructive engagement with global partners.

He emphasised longstanding strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and said any decision on participation in a proposed International Stabilisation Force would be made after thorough review by the government.

Protests and law and order

On nationwide protests, the official said peaceful demonstration is a constitutional right, but warned that violence would not be tolerated.

“Any attempt to spread chaos will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that authorities would not allow a handful of miscreants to undermine peaceful protesters.

He concluded by reiterating that Pakistan has the full capability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing its long campaign against terrorism as proof.