- Politicians across party lines hails military’s decisive response, warn Kabul to prevent use of its soil by terrorists
- President urges Kabul to act against India-backed terror outfits, PM vows ‘no compromise on defence’
- Maryam, Bilawal, Naqvi, and others reaffirm solidarity with security forces, declaring Pakistan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE: Political leaders from across party lines on Sunday strongly condemned Afghanistan’s recent act of aggression along the border and lauded Pakistan’s armed forces for their resolute, swift, and proportionate response that thwarted multiple infiltration attempts and neutralised hundreds of militants.
Cross-border skirmishes erupted after Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire at several points along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, and Kurram, with further attacks reported in Dir, Chitral, Baramcha, and other areas along the Durand Line. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani forces, acting in self-defence, killed over 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorists belonging to the India-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Fitna al-Khawarij, during an overnight counter-assault.
The country’s political leadership—from the president to provincial chief ministers — voiced firm support for the armed forces, praised their professionalism and courage, and paid tribute to the 23 soldiers who embraced martyrdom while defending Pakistan’s borders. They reaffirmed that the entire nation stands united behind the military and demanded that the Taliban rulers in Kabul ensure Afghan soil is never again used for terrorism against Pakistan.
‘Afghan govt must act against terrorists’: Zardari
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the Interim Afghan Government (IAG) to take “concrete and verifiable action” against anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.
He warned that the menace of the Khawarij and other India-sponsored groups poses the gravest threat to regional stability, expressing hope that Kabul would act responsibly and prevent the use of its territory for terrorist activity. “Only joint and practical measures can guarantee enduring peace in the region,” he said.
‘No compromise on defence’: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the Pakistan Army for its “effective and comprehensive” response to Afghanistan’s provocations, saying the successful counter-terror operations had “demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve to protect every inch of its territory.”
He also honoured the 23 martyred personnel, noting that their sacrifice embodied the nation’s spirit of courage and commitment.
“There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence,” the premier declared. “Every act of provocation will be met with a strong and effective response.”
PM Shehbaz revealed that Pakistan had repeatedly shared intelligence with Afghan authorities about the presence of Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan using Afghan territory to stage attacks. “Certain elements in Afghanistan continue to abet these groups,” he said, urging Kabul to stop such activity and reiterating that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
‘Martyrs’ sacrifices a symbol of pride’: Naqvi
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid homage to the 23 soldiers who “laid down their lives defending the nation’s honour,” condemning the unprovoked attacks as a gross violation of international law.
“The cowardly targeting of our forces and civilians will not go unanswered,” he warned, lauding the armed forces’ courage and professionalism. “The enemies’ nefarious designs have been crushed by the determination of our troops. Their sacrifices will forever remain a symbol of national pride.”
‘Unprovoked aggression threatens peace’: Bilawal
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grave concern over the escalating situation, urging Afghanistan to act with restraint. “Unprovoked aggression by Afghan forces poses a serious threat to regional peace and undermines efforts toward shared prosperity,” he said.
He praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their “resolve, restraint, and professionalism,” stressing that the military’s response reflected Pakistan’s “enduring commitment to peace while safeguarding civilian lives.”
Bilawal further warned that terrorist outfits operating from Afghan soil threatened “the entire region’s security and future” and called for concrete steps by Kabul to neutralise them.
‘A decisive chapter in national defence’: Rana Sanaullah
Adviser to the PM Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan said Pakistan’s “strong, effective, and courageous” military response had uplifted national morale and “written a new chapter in the history of defence and dignity.”
Addressing a press conference, he said cross-border aggression originated from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan despite repeated warnings from Islamabad. He praised the strategic leadership of President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying their united stance had strengthened national resolve.
‘Further response could be far more severe’: Tessori
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori said Pakistan’s calibrated response had sent a clear message to Afghanistan. “If Kabul remains under any illusion, Pakistan will demonstrate its mountain-like resolve—and those very mountains will come crashing down upon the Taliban,” he said.
He warned that Pakistan had so far exercised restraint, but “if provocations continue, the response could become far more severe.”
‘Rise above politics and stand united’: Kundi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi termed the Afghan attacks a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and urged political forces to “rise above differences” in support of the armed forces. “The people of KP stand shoulder to shoulder with their defenders,” he added.
‘Borders are a sacred trust’: CM Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif condemned the Afghan aggression and praised the army’s “brave and timely response.” She said Pakistan’s borders were a “sacred trust,” and their protection was the duty of every citizen.
“We want peace,” she said, “but there will be no compromise on the integrity of Pakistan or the safety of its people.”
‘Terror from Afghan soil intolerable’: CM Murad Shah
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said provocations from Afghan territory were “intolerable” and threatened regional peace. He reminded Kabul that Pakistan had consistently sought friendly relations, urging it to stop terrorists from using Afghan soil.
‘Terrorists will face iron-hand response’: Musadik Malik
Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik warned that terrorists and their facilitators would face an “iron-hand response.” He reiterated that Pakistan would continue its mission to eliminate terrorism “from all sources—internal or external—through coordinated civil-military action.”
‘End terror sanctuaries, unite behind army’: Irfan Siddiqui
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui called for the “complete eradication of terrorist safe havens” and said Pakistan had paid a heavy price for instability in Afghanistan. “Those showing sympathy to terrorists must be held accountable for betraying the nation’s trust,” he said.
‘Pakistan won’t tolerate aggression’: Sherry Rehman
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman condemned the unprovoked firing, asserting that “Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself.” She lauded the army for “thwarting enemy designs” and protecting national frontiers.
‘Aggression linked to FM’s India visit’: Tarar
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the border incidents as “a deliberate provocation timed with the Afghan foreign minister’s visit to India.” He said it was “deeply concerning” that such military activity coincided with anti-Pakistan rhetoric in India, raising serious questions about intent.
“The Foreign Office has made Pakistan’s stance clear: we will defend our sovereignty decisively,” he said.
‘India no true friend of Kabul’: Naeemur Rehman
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged Kabul to act responsibly and warned that India “could never be a true friend of Afghanistan.” He said both nations must pursue dialogue for lasting peace and offered his party’s support in facilitating talks.
“Pakistan has already sacrificed the lives of its brave soldiers. Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for terrorism,” he added.
United message: Pakistan’s sovereignty non-negotiable
Across party divides, the consensus was clear: Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. Political leaders stressed that while Islamabad remains committed to regional peace, continued provocations from Afghanistan would draw an even stronger response.
