Pakistan PM vows Shehbaz Sharif ‘strong response’ after Afghanistan claims killing 58 soldiers, condemns ‘provocations’

Pakistan's Sharif vows ‘strong response’ to Afghan strikes; 58 Pak soldiers reported dead

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Afghanistan’s “provocations” along the border, vowing a “strong and effective response” after Afghan officials claimed to have killed at least 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight clashes.

According to the Associated Press, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces had captured 25 Pakistani army posts and inflicted heavy casualties, leaving 58 soldiers dead and 30 wounded. There has been no official confirmation from Islamabad.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Pakistan’s armed forces for their “robust and effective response” to the attacks.

“We take great pride in the professional excellence of our armed forces,” Sharif said. “Under the bold leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army not only gave a firm and fitting response to Afghanistan’s aggression but also destroyed several of their posts, forcing retreat. There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence. Every act of aggression will be met with a strong and effective response.”

The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan’s defence “rests in capable hands” and that the nation “knows how to protect every inch of its territory.” He further emphasized that the country’s armed forces have always delivered “a decisive and befitting reply to any form of external aggression.”

“There will be no compromise on Pakistan's defence, and every provocation will be met with a strong and effective response,” AFP quoted Sharif as saying, accusing Taliban authorities of allowing “terrorist elements” to use Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.

Afghan officials have accused Pakistan of bombing Kabul and an eastern marketplace earlier in the week, though Islamabad has not acknowledged responsibility. Mujahid maintained that Afghanistan’s borders were “under complete control” and warned that any future violation of Afghan sovereignty would be met with a “strong response.”

Following the clashes, Pakistan reportedly closed all major border crossings with Afghanistan, including the Torkham route, according to Reuters.

The two neighboring nations share a 2,611-kilometer frontier known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained tense since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Pakistan accusing Afghan authorities of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks, an allegation the Taliban denies.

Highlighting this concern, Sharif said Pakistan has repeatedly provided evidence to Afghanistan about the presence of terrorist groups such as “Fitna-tul-Khawarij” and “Fitna-tul-Hindustan,” who use Afghan soil to carry out attacks.

“These terrorist organisations enjoy support from elements within Afghanistan,” the prime minister said, urging Kabul to ensure its territory is not used by militants targeting Pakistan.