Army Chief General Asim Munir has come under fire following Pakistan’s audacious airstrikes targeting TTP militants in Afghanistan, near Kabul. Pakistan’s military claimed the operation successfully neutralized Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Noor Wali Mehsud, whom they hold responsible for a fatal attack on Pakistani soldiers in Orakzai. However, this assertion was quickly challenged by the TTP, which released an audio statement purportedly from Mehsud, declaring his survival and refuting all death reports.
The fallout from this cross-border operation has been severe, with critics labeling it a major strategic blunder for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism agenda. The Taliban regime in Kabul issued a sharp rebuke, condemning the airstrikes as a blatant violation of Afghan sovereignty and issuing a stark warning of consequences. Kabul’s statement insisted that Pakistan would bear the responsibility for any civilian casualties incurred during the operation.
Regionally, the timing is sensitive. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is currently in India for discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. India used this engagement to reaffirm its commitment to Afghan stability and sovereignty, also announcing plans to resume full diplomatic operations by reopening its embassy in Kabul.
Meanwhile, Pakistan faces domestic turmoil. Internet services have been suspended across Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to widespread protests by the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The group attempted to advance towards the US Embassy in solidarity with Palestine regarding the Gaza conflict, leading to clashes with security forces.