Any further provocation by Taliban will get ‘measured, decisive response’: FO

• FO spokesperson says armed forces carried out ‘precise operations,’ inflicting heavy losses on terrorist outfits in Afghanistan

• PM Shehbaz visits GHQ, given ‘detailed briefing’ by military leader on situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan

• Zero tolerance should be adopted against ‘nexus between Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khwarij and its malicious actions: PM

• A total of 297 Afghan Taliban killed, more than 450 reported injured, while 89 Taliban posts destroyed and 18 captured in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: PM’s aide

• Says 135 Afghan Taliban regime tanks and APCs destroyed with 29 locations across Afghanistan subjected to aerial targeting

• UN, Russia, Iran, Turkiye and others call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve Pakistan, Afghanistan differences

• Senate adopts resolution condemning unprovoked aggression and hostile cross-border actions originating from Afghan territory

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Friday warned that any further provocation by the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorist groups “will be met with a measured, decisive and befitting response,” emphasizing that Pakistan’s Armed Forces carried out “precise operations in self-defence” following repeated terrorist attacks and recent military provocations originating from Afghan territory.

In a statement, the FO said that Pakistan’s actions came in response to “repeated terrorist attacks by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan against Pakistan emanating from Afghan soil, as well as the latest “unwarranted and unprovoked” actions by the Taliban regime”.

🔊PR No.5️⃣5️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Pakistan’s Actions in Self-Defence against Terrorist Attacks and Military Provocations from Afghanistan

🔗⬇️https://t.co/XeuSsxsLs2 pic.twitter.com/L79LsjGRHt

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 27, 2026

The statement came in the aftermath of Pakistan launching Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in response to the Afghan Taliban overnight “unprovoked cross-border firing.”

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al Hindustan is a term designated by the state for terrorist organisations in Balo­chistan.

The FO said that the armed forces carried out “precise operations, inflicting heavy losses on terrorist outfits and targeting their logistical support bases in Afghanistan” on the night of February 26.

It maintained that the actions taken by Pakistan were “in exercise of its right to self-defence and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, as well as that of the wider region and beyond”.

It warned the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorist groups against “any further provocations” in attempts to “undermine the security and welfare of the people of Pakistan”, stating that they will be met with “a measured, decisive and befitting response”.

The FO reiterated Pakistan’s desire for “peace and stability” in the region, adding that the country had “remained patiently engaged in political and diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil”.

“However, it is unfortunate that Pakistan’s numerous goodwill gestures and highly responsible approach were misconstrued, resulting in increased terrorist attacks from Afghan soil, with the active support and backing of the Taliban regime, as well as India,” the statement read.

The FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s “strong resolve and determination” towards eliminating terrorism emanating from the Afghan soil.

It also called upon the “Afghan regime to end the impunity with which Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan continue to operate from Afghan soil”.

It expressed the faith that the international community will “play its role in sending a clear message to the Taliban regime that it must not continue to renege on its obligation to take concrete and verifiable action against these terrorist outfits and end its support for them”.

The statement reiterated that Pakistan held the right to “take all appropriate actions in its self-defence and to protect its citizens in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter”.

 PM’s spokesperson says 297 Afghan Taliban killed; 89 posts destroyed

Meanwhile sharing update on Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi, said that Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the “scourge of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued through the day.”

In a post on X, he said, “A total of 297 Afghan Taliban are confirmed killed, and more than 450 are reported injured.”

Update on Operation Ghazb lil Haq & resulting Afghan Taliban regime losses as of 2310 hrs Friday February 27, 2026

Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued through the day today.

A total of 297 Afghan Taliban, TTP and other…

— Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) February 27, 2026

He further said that 89 Afghan Taliban posts have been destroyed and 18 have been captured, while 135 Afghan Taliban regime tanks and armed personnel carriers have been destroyed.

“Twenty-nine locations across Afghanistan have been subjected to aerial targeting,” he said.

Security sources said that Pakistani armed forces targeted and destroyed several Afghan Taliban’s checkposts at the Pak-Afghan border areas as Operation Ghazab lil-Haq is ongoing.

Security forces have destroyed Afghan Taliban’s Aryana Complex, Dubgai checkpost, police headquarters, and Zakir Khail post, the sources said, adding that Pakistan’s armed forces forced the Afghan Taliban forces to flee their checkposts.

The sources further said the operation will continue till its objectives are achieved.

‘Afghan Taliban’s military installations completely destroyed’

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Pakistani armed forces targeted military installations and terrorist bases in Afghanistan, saying that Kabul’s Green Zone was not touched during the operation.

“Their military installations have been completely destroyed. This is an ongoing situation and we will see where the situation leads,” he said while speaking on a TV channel.

 “Afghan Taliban tried skirmishes, firing, and tried to inflict harm in Khyber and Chitral. However, they did not have the capacity. They do not have any capability in conventional warfare,” he said.

He noted that a difference in tone had been observed in the Afghan Taliban since yesterday.

The Information Minister said the Operation Ghazab lil-Haq is ongoing as it is necessary to neutralise a threat against Pakistan.

“Pakistan has shown great patience and resolve. Pakistan has been attacked. terrorism incidents occurred in which the role of Afghanistan was clear. The evidence was present,” he said while speaking to Geo News.

He gave references to the terrorist incidents in Islamabad and Bannu, asserting that “all these incidents were related to Afghanistan.”

Earlier at press conference, Tarar said Afghan Taliban had “nothing to do with Islam as they don’t believe in peace.”

He recalled what he had earlier stated, saying that the “Afghan Taliban regime is an illegitimate system of government; it is based on a wrong interpretation of religion, an interpretation that suits them (Afghan Taliban) and has nothing to do with the basic principles of religion, Islam; and it is a system of oppression”.

PM given detailed briefing at GHQ on situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan

In the meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday visited General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the military leadership gave him a “detailed briefing” on the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited GHQ and received a detailed briefing on the Pakistan Afghanistan security situation. Reaffirming zero tolerance for terrorism and hostile actions against Pakistan, he expressed full confidence in the leadership of COAS & CDF, Field… pic.twitter.com/nGuGL4PQdX

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 27, 2026

The development comes after Pakistan’s security forces launched an operation with codename as Ghazab Lil-Haq, against the Afghan Taliban after it launched unprovoked attacks along the border between both countries on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz said that “zero tolerance” should be adopted against the “nexus between the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khwarij and its malicious actions.”

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا جنرل ہیڈ کوارٹرز (GHQ) کا دورہ، عسکری قیادت کی وزیرِ اعظم کو پاکستان افغانستان کی صورتحال پرمفصل بریفنگ

فتنہ الخوارج اور افغان طالبان رجیم کے گٹھ جوڑ اور شر پسند کارروائیوں کیلئے زیرو ٹالرنس اپنائی جائے۔ افغان طالبان رجیم اور فتنہ الخوارج کی پاکستان… pic.twitter.com/hNr7YetXgK

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 27, 2026

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

“The actions of the Afghan Taliban regime and Fitna al Khawarij against Pakistan are unacceptable,” he said.

He added that the country’s armed forces, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir, were always ready to defend the country.

“Pakistan knows how to defend itself against any aggression,” he asserted.

The premier also praised the professional capabilities of the armed forces for repelling attacks by the Afghan Taliban regime in the border areas and for retaliating vigorously.

#ISPR
Rawalpindi: February 27, 2026.

Prime Minister of #Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visits GHQ, #GhazabLilHaq

Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (#COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Pakistan Armed Forces are ever-ready… pic.twitter.com/KW96VtWviL

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) February 27, 2026

“The entire nation stands with the armed forces for protecting the homeland,” he said.

UN, Russia and Iran call on Pakistan, Afghanistan to ceasefire

Meanwhile, top UN officials have expressed concern over the cross-border clashes between Afghan Taliban forces and Pakistani security forces, and called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve their differences while China and Russia called on both countries to cease firing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is following the situation with concern, his spokesperson said Thursday.

In a note to correspondents, Spokesperson to UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general urges relevant parties to comply with their obligations under international law and to ensure the protection of civilians.

“Commending mediation efforts by several Member States in recent months, the Secretary-General urges the parties to continue to seek to resolve any differences through diplomacy,” Dujarric said.

In Geneva, UN human rights chief Volker Turk on appealed for dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan. “This situation calls for urgent political dialogue, rather than escalating the use of force,” said the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

 Beyond the global body, the UN-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and for the Chief Justice of the Taliban, Mr Abdul Hakim Haqqani.

The warrant states that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both men are guilty of “ordering, inducing or soliciting the crime against humanity of persecution…against girls, women and other persons non-conforming with the Taliban’s policy on gender, gender identity or expression; and on political grounds against persons perceived as ‘allies of girls and women’”.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia FMs discuss escalating tensions

On the other hand, Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Friday held an urgent telephone conversation to discuss escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as cross-border hostilities intensified in multiple sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan @FaisalbinFarhan to discuss recent regional developments, including the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

DPM/FM briefed him… pic.twitter.com/TBqOf2FpuJ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 27, 2026

The FO in a statement said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, on Friday morning.

The Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the two leaders exchanged views on regional security and efforts to reduce tensions in the broader region.

The diplomatic outreach came amid claims by Islamabad that its armed forces had carried out extensive retaliatory strikes following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban regime along several points of the frontier.

Russia has also urged upon Pakistan and Afghanistan to halt cross-border attacks immediately and resolve their differences through diplomatic means, the RIA news agency reported on Friday, citing the Russian foreign ministry.

⚡️ Russian MFA Spox #Zakharova:

We are concerned over the sharp escalation of armed clashes between Afghanistan & Pakistan.

We call on them to abandon this dangerous confrontation & return to the negotiating table to resolve all differences through political & diplomatic means. pic.twitter.com/ex2xDHmSYZ

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) February 27, 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also expressed readiness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their ongoing tensions.

In a statement on X, Araghchi emphasized the importance of dialogue during the holy month of Ramazan, which “he described” as a time for self-restraint and strengthening unity within the Muslim world.

Statement: Iran voices deep concern over escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has expressed its profound concern and regret over the escalation of clashes between the two neighboring and Muslim… https://t.co/aL8YlVZAe3

— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran (@IRIMFA_EN) February 27, 2026

The foreign minister reiterated Iran’s willingness to assist in facilitating communication between the two countries to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

This is not the first time that Iran has offered its mediation. Earlier, as border tensions escalated, Iran had previously proposed its role as a mediator to help de-escalate the situation between the neighboring countries.

 No compromise on defence of country: President, PM

Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve that there will be no compromise on the defence of the country and every aggression will be met with a befitting response.

In their separate statements, they said the State of Pakistan will not compromise on its peace, stability and territorial integrity.

The President said no one should have the misconception that Pakistan will be coerced by pressure or intimidation.

He further said that today Pakistan nation and our brave armed forces stand like a rock wall to protect the integrity of the motherland and its borders.

The President said the response capability of our armed forces is comprehensive, timely and decisive, and they have the full capacity to uproot the evil intentions of the enemy.

Asif Ali Zardari said we do not want confrontation, but if anyone considers Pakistan's peace as weakness, he will face a strong response.

He said for the last five years, the ungrateful Taliban regime has been engaged in terrorist acts against its benefactor Pakistan through its TTP terrorists.

He said all our diplomatic efforts and brotherly countries have failed to bring this criminal gang to the correct path.

The President said this criminal and cowardly group crossed the international border and challenged the integrity of Pakistan.

Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan, as a responsible state, adopted diplomatic channels and made serious efforts to bring this criminal gang to the path of moderation with the help of brotherly countries, but no positive progress could be made.

The Prime Minister said the people and the Armed Forces of Pakistan are always ready to protect the country's security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said the Armed Forces of Pakistan are committed for not allowing any kind of threat to the peace and security of the country.

He said our armed forces are fully capable of defeating aggressive designs.

Shehbaz Sharif said under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Armed Forces of Pakistan are performing their duties with national spirit.

He said the Armed Forces of Pakistan are equipped with professional capabilities, quality training and effective defensive strategy and are fully capable of dealing with any internal or external challenge.

The Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan has always promoted peace.

Senate unanimously condemns aggression from Afghanistan

The Senate on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning unprovoked aggression and hostile cross-border actions originating from the territory of Afghanistan, terming them violations of international law and established diplomatic norms.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the resolution was presented by Senator Sherry Rehman and adopted by the House in the presence of Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The resolution declared that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity or national security would be considered a direct affront to the nation’s dignity and would be met with a firm, proportionate and decisive response.

The House paid tribute to the bravery, professionalism and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement personnel for remaining vigilant in the defence of the country’s borders.

Recalling Pakistan’s decades-long engagement with Afghanistan, the Senate noted with profound regret that the country had borne significant economic, social and security burdens for over 40 years by hosting millions of Afghan nationals, extending humanitarian assistance, facilitating peace efforts and advocating for Afghanistan’s stability in international forums.

The resolution stated that these efforts were often undertaken at immense cost to Pakistan’s own national development and internal security.

Expressing disappointment over what it termed a lack of reciprocal goodwill, the House referred to hostile rhetoric, cross-border violations and the persistent presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil, describing the situation as a troubling pattern undermining bilateral understandings.

The Senate demanded that the Afghan Taliban regime immediately cease all hostile actions, prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorism or aggression against Pakistan, and honour international obligations and commitments to peaceful coexistence.

Parliamentary affairs minister says any misadventure will be firmly thwarted

In a post on X, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said, “The nation of Pakistan and its brave armed forces stand united when it comes to the country’s security, sovereignty, and border protection.

ملک کی سلامتی، خودمختاری اور سرحدی تحفظ کے معاملے میں پاکستان کی قوم اور اس کی بہادر مسلح افواج ایک صفحے پر کھڑی ہیں۔ ہماری افواج ہر لمحہ دفاعِ وطن کے لیے مستعد اور تیار ہیں، اور کسی بھی خطرے یا جارحیت کو بھرپور اور مؤثر جواب دینے کی مکمل صلاحیت رکھتی ہیں۔

فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم…

— Dr. Tariq Fazal Ch. (@DrTariqFazal) February 27, 2026

“Our forces remain vigilant and fully prepared at all times to defend the homeland, and they possess the complete capability to deliver a strong and effective response to any threat or aggression,” he said.

Under the leadership of Field Marshal General Asim Munir, the Pakistan Armed Forces are carrying out their national duties with professional excellence, superior training, and modern defensive strategy, he stated.

He further stated that no compromise would be made on the peace and stability of the homeland, and any misadventure would be firmly thwarted

“Pakistan is a peace-loving country and believes in promoting stability in the region,” he reaffirmed; however, he warned, “If our sovereignty or territorial integrity is challenged, a decisive and befitting response will be given.”

“Today, the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces and is ready to make every sacrifice for the defense of Pakistan,” Chaudhary said.

Nation stands shoulder to shoulder with armed forces against terrorism: Sanaullah

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan told the Senate on Friday that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism, as the House unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming national unity against aggression and militancy.

Responding to Opposition Leader Senator Raja Nasir Abbas during a discussion on the resolution, Sanaullah said the unanimous passage of the resolution by the House of Federation reflected the collective will of the people and endorsed the resolve of the nation.

He said that at critical moments the Pakistani nation had consistently placed full confidence in its armed forces and stood firmly behind them.

Referring to recent cross-border aggression, he said the armed forces had delivered a strong and effective response while exercising restraint.

Sanaullah said Pakistan’s armed forces were highly professional and fully capable of responding decisively to any hostile act, but had demonstrated maturity and responsibility by limiting action to what was necessary.

He warned that elements involved in cross-border activities had previously been given opportunities to behave responsibly, but if aggression continued, they would be dealt with firmly.

The adviser said the government and political leadership stood fully aligned with the military leadership’s decisions regarding national security and counter-terrorism operations.

During the debate, Senator Ali Zafar proposed the formation of a regional mechanism to address the situation.

Sanaullah suggested referring the matter to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs for in-camera briefings from the Foreign Office and relevant security institutions before any decision was taken.