ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesman for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, while refuting the Afghan Taliban’s claims of targeting a hospital and civilians, says Pakistan’s recent strikes in Afghanistan were aimed solely at terrorists and are grounded in precise intelligence, driven entirely by the need to protect its citizens.
Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, the prime minister’s spokesman rejected allegations levelled by the Afghan Taliban that a hospital in Kabul was struck. Zaidi maintained that the target was ‘Camp Phoenix’, which he described as a long-standing weapons and training facility used by terrorist groups.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s anti-terrorism operations are “targeted, precise, and intelligence-led,” and dismissed opposing claims by the Taliban and some media as unverified. “The burden of proof lies with those making the accusations,” he said, adding that no credible evidence has been presented to support claims of civilian infrastructure being hit.
Pakistan maintains that its actions are part of a broader counterterrorism campaign targeting groups operating from Afghan territory with tacit support from the Afghan Taliban. Officials in Islamabad argue that repeated diplomatic efforts since 2021, including references to commitments made under the Doha Agreement, have failed to curb cross-border militancy.
Independent analysts note that tensions between the two neighbours have escalated sharply in recent months, with Pakistan reporting increased attacks by terrorist groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan targeting both security forces and civilians.
Zaidi reiterated that Pakistan does not view military action as a long-term solution but as a necessary response. “We are pursuing a very specific, very targeted, very precise campaign against terrorist infrastructure,” he said, adding that operations would continue as long as threats to Pakistani citizens persist.
He further stressed that any pause in counter-terrorism operations would depend on “clear, measurable action” against the militant networks by the Afghan Taliban. “Once there is a decisive break from support to these groups and the threat is eliminated, these strikes will stop,” Zaidi said, underscoring that Pakistan’s priority remains the safety and security of its people
