ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday condemned the recent incursions by Afghan forces, calling Thursday’s attacks “unacceptable” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a firm stance against any forces threatening the country’s security. Sharif made the remarks during a visit to General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where he was given a detailed briefing by the top military officials on the security situation in the region, particularly Thursday’s clashes along the Afghan-Pakistan border. “The actions of the Afghan Taliban regime and militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are unacceptable,” Sharif said during the briefing. He emphasised that Pakistan will adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any group or alliance that undermines the country’s sovereignty. The briefing came as Pakistan launched a fresh military operation, codenamed Ghazab Lil-Haq, aimed at countering unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters along the shared border. In his remarks, Sharif stressed the need for confronting what he described as a dangerous “nexus” between the Afghan Taliban and TTP-linked insurgents. Pakistan’s military has been on high alert along the Afghan border after a series of incursions earlier this week. Sharif expressed confidence in the readiness and resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. “Pakistan knows how to defend itself against any aggression,” Sharif said, adding that the military’s capabilities had been clearly demonstrated through their swift repulsion of the Taliban assaults along the border. The prime minister also praised the armed forces for their rapid and effective retaliation, which he credited for protecting Pakistan’s territorial integrity. “The entire nation stands with the armed forces in protecting the homeland,” he affirmed, emphasising national unity in the face of cross-border hostilities. The security situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has been tense in recent months, with both sides accusing each other of failing to curb insurgent activities. The latest military operation marks a significant escalation in Pakistan’s efforts to neutralise Taliban-linked militants and bolster border security. While Pakistan has made it clear it will not tolerate further incursions, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation remain ongoing. The future course of action will likely depend on both military operations and discussions with Afghan authorities to address the growing insurgent threat. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026