Dar briefs Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian counterparts on Pakistan's response to Afghan aggression

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday briefed his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt on Pakistan’s “befitting” response to what he described as aggression by the Afghan Taliban, defending Islamabad’s use of military force.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes targeting key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The military said the ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ was progressing successfully and achieving its intended objectives.

According to the military spokesperson, Pakistani forces had “effectively repulsed” Afghan Taliban insurgents at 53 locations along the border, inflicting heavy losses while exercising restraint to avoid civilian casualties.

In a separate statement, Dar said the people and armed forces stood united as “steadfast guardians” of Pakistan’s sovereignty, dignity, and security. “Together, we are resolute in our commitment for a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Pakistan,” he added.

Dar is currently in Jeddah, where he attended an extraordinary open-ended session of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. On the sidelines, he spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and discussed the evolving situation and broader regional developments.

During the call, Dar briefed him on Pakistan’s "firm response to unprovoked Afghan aggression," stating that the military had undertaken targeted operations under ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of regional peace and stability and agreed to remain closely engaged.

In a separate conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar exchanged views on recent developments, particularly tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He reiterated that Pakistan had responded "befittingly" to the Afghan Taliban’s actions. The two sides stressed the need for peace and stability and agreed to maintain close coordination.

Dar also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, underlining that Pakistan’s response had been "measured but decisive."

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to contain the escalation. A source familiar with the discussions told AFP that Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, was working to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The source said Riyadh and Doha had been in contact at the highest levels with both sides to de-escalate the situation and prevent further deterioration.

Separately, acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks with Qatar’s chief negotiator Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, according to Doha, as regional players stepped up efforts to prevent the confrontation from spiralling further.