(By Khalid Masood)
As of March 6, 2026, the entire nation stands united behind our valiant armed forces as Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq enters its second week with decisive results. Our Pakistan Air Force, Army, and intelligence agencies have executed a series of highly precise, intelligence-driven airstrikes and targeted ground operations deep inside Afghan territory. These operations are aimed squarely at dismantling Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist infrastructure and the Afghan Taliban elements that have shamelessly provided them safe havens, training facilities, and logistical support for years.
Defence sources and official statements from Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirm that, as of today, 527 Afghan Taliban operatives have been eliminated, more than 755 injured, 237 terrorist posts and hideouts destroyed, and dozens of armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, and supply depots neutralised. These figures are not mere claims—they are backed by drone footage, satellite imagery shared by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), and intercepted communications that leave no room for doubt.
This is not aggression. This is Pakistan exercising its legitimate right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter after enduring relentless cross-border terrorism. For too long, the people of Pakistan—soldiers, civilians, schoolchildren, police officers—have paid the ultimate price in blood while a neighbouring regime in Kabul looked the other way or, worse, actively facilitated the killers.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif captured the national mood perfectly when he declared: “Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you until the threat is eradicated.” While Kabul continues to cry foul, inflating civilian casualty figures and claiming minor tactical successes (such as allegedly shooting down one Pakistani drone or temporarily capturing a handful of border posts), the reality on the ground tells a very different story.
Pakistan’s military operations have remained surgical and disciplined: strikes are intelligence-based, focused exclusively on verified terrorist targets, and conducted with strict rules of engagement to avoid civilian harm. In stark contrast, the Taliban’s retaliatory actions—including indiscriminate mortar fire into Pakistani villages—have caused unnecessary suffering on both sides of the Durand Line.
The United Nations reports that nearly 66,000 Afghans have been displaced due to the ongoing clashes. While every loss of innocent life is tragic, the primary responsibility lies with the Taliban regime in Kabul. Had they honoured their repeated promises to dismantle TTP sanctuaries in Nangarhar, Khost, Paktia, Kandahar, and even areas near Kabul, this escalation would never have occurred. Instead, they chose to protect foreign terrorists over their own people.
Pakistan’s Long-Suffering Generosity Betrayed
For more than four decades, Pakistan has opened its doors, homes, schools, and hospitals to millions of Afghan refugees. Even after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Pakistan continued to provide humanitarian corridors, medical assistance, and diplomatic engagement—despite mounting evidence that Afghan soil was being used as a launchpad for attacks inside Pakistan.
In return, what did we receive? A surge in TTP attacks that claimed thousands of Pakistani lives, including brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, police officers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and innocent civilians in mosques, markets, and schools. The betrayal is not just strategic—it is deeply personal and emotional for every Pakistani family that has lost a loved one to this imported terror.
Enough is enough. Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq represents the moment Pakistan says: Never again.
Frontline Updates: Precision, Professionalism, and Resolve
Recent ISPR briefings highlight the professionalism of our forces. Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, supported by armed drones, have struck high-value targets including Taliban brigade headquarters in Kandahar, training camps in Spin Boldak, and logistics hubs in Paktika. Ground forces along the border have repelled multiple Taliban attempts to overrun Pakistani posts, inflicting heavy casualties while maintaining full control of our territory.
Our troops operate under clear orders: protect Pakistani lives first, minimize collateral damage, and demonstrate restraint wherever possible. This stands in sharp contrast to the Taliban’s indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas inside Pakistan, which has forced temporary closures of schools and markets in border districts.
Key Discussion Points Every Patriotic Pakistani Must Champion
1. Crushing the TTP – An Existential Fight We Are Winning: The TTP is not a “resistance movement”—it is a terrorist organisation designated as such by the United Nations, the United States, and even—on paper—by the Afghan Taliban themselves. Yet Kabul has allowed these killers to regroup, rearm, and strike Pakistan with impunity. Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq has already dramatically reduced the frequency and lethality of TTP attacks inside Pakistan. This proves that decisive military action works where endless “dialogue” failed. Talking point: The international community must stop moralising about “restraint” while conveniently ignoring the Pakistani blood spilled for years. Any nation would do the same to protect its citizens.
2. Economic Resilience Despite Border Challenges: Yes, cross-border trade through Torkham and Chaman has been severely disrupted. Local economies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are feeling short-term pain. But compare these temporary costs to the thousands of lives already saved and the long-term security dividend we are earning. Pakistan’s economy remains resilient thanks to prudent government policies, record remittances, CPEC Phase II momentum, and growing domestic manufacturing. This crisis is an opportunity to accelerate border fencing completion, invest in alternative trade routes, and strengthen energy and food security. Talking point: Adversity breeds strength. Pakistan will emerge from this conflict more self-reliant and economically secure than ever before.
3. Farewell to “Strategic Depth” – Welcome to Strategic Denial: The old doctrine of seeking “strategic depth” in Afghanistan made sense in a different era. Today, with a hostile regime in Kabul openly sheltering our deadliest enemy, Pakistan has rightly adopted a policy of strategic denial: no tolerance whatsoever for anti-Pakistan activities on Afghan soil. Talking point: Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq sends an unambiguous message to New Delhi, to TTP sponsors, and to any would-be adversary: Pakistan is a nuclear-armed sovereign state with the will and capability to defend itself—directly and decisively.
4. Pakistan’s Unmatched Humanitarian Record: Even in the heat of conflict, Pakistan continues to host over 4 million Afghan refugees, provides emergency medical treatment to wounded Afghans who cross the border, and has repeatedly offered humanitarian corridors for civilians. Contrast this compassion with the Taliban’s ingratitude and refusal to fulfil even basic counter-terrorism obligations. Talking point: Pakistan’s generosity has no parallel in the region. We now call on China, Turkey, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the OIC to support our legitimate security demands and help broker de-escalation on Pakistan’s terms.
5. Geopolitical Realignment in Our Favour: The Taliban’s isolation is becoming obvious. Turkey has offered mediation, China and Russia have urged calm while quietly affirming Pakistan’s right to self-defence, and even some Gulf states are distancing themselves from Kabul’s reckless behaviour. This conflict has exposed the Taliban’s weakness and simultaneously elevated Pakistan’s stature as the most responsible, professional, and powerful actor in the region.
The Path Forward: Dialogue from a Position of Strength
Pakistan remains open to meaningful talks—but only under clear, verifiable conditions:
- Immediate handover or neutralisation of top TTP leadership
- Complete dismantling of all TTP camps and infrastructure
- Binding guarantees that Afghan soil will never again be used against Pakistan
- Respect for the Durand Line as the international boundary
Until these demands are met, Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq will continue with full force and national resolve.
To every proud Pakistani—from the streets of Lahore to the mountains of Khyber, from Karachi’s ports to Quetta’s valleys—this is our moment. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our armed forces. Support the government’s firm stance. Reject enemy propaganda and fifth-generation warfare narratives designed to divide us.
Pakistan Zindabad! The Pakistan Army, Air Force, Navy, and every institution of the state stand united. History will record that when our survival was at stake, we chose courage over compromise.
This is Pakistan’s story—of sacrifice, resilience, and unbreakable will. Share it proudly.
