Islamabad: Pakistan has firmly dismissed allegations made by the Afghan Taliban regime concerning civilian casualties linked to its counter-terrorism operations, emphasizing its sovereign right to self-defense in combating terrorism. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan described these accusations as baseless and misleading, arguing that they obscure the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. The Afghan Taliban regime, it stated, bears responsibility for preventing its territory from being used to launch attacks against Pakistan, which have resulted in over 3,500 casualties in 2026 alone.

International mechanisms and UN monitoring teams have regularly reported on the situation, highlighting concerns about the Taliban regime’s harboring of terrorist organizations, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army. Pakistan asserts that these groups pose a significant threat to regional and international peace and stability. Thousands of Pakistani civilians have fallen victim to terrorist attacks, allegedly planned and executed from Afghan territory with the Taliban’s facilitation.

Pakistan maintains that no responsible state can remain inactive when its citizens and security forces are targeted. The country’s actions in response to these threats are framed as exercises of self-defense, executed under principles of necessity and as a last resort. The operations are described as proportionate to the level of threat and strictly targeted at terrorists and their logistical bases in Afghanistan. Pakistan insists that its actions adhere to international principles of distinction and precaution, rejecting any suggestions to the contrary.

The statement calls on the international community to hold the Taliban regime accountable for failing to meet its obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions to prevent the use of Afghan soil as a launchpad for terrorism. Pakistan reaffirms its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nationals.