Pakistan’s military initiated airstrikes near Kabul late last night, a bold move that has significantly destabilized the fragile South Asian region. The operation, spearheaded by Army Chief General Asim Munir, was reportedly aimed at Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Noor Wali Mehsud, implicated in a recent fatal attack on Pakistani soldiers. However, counter-intelligence emerged quickly when the TTP released an audio recording purportedly featuring Mehsud, who claimed he was alive, directly contradicting Pakistan’s official narrative. This operation has sparked widespread international concern and placed Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts under intense scrutiny. The Taliban government in Kabul has vehemently denounced the strikes as a grave violation of Afghan sovereignty, issuing a stern warning of retaliation and vowing that Pakistan would bear responsibility for any civilian casualties. The timing of this escalation is particularly sensitive, coinciding with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, where he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. India has emphasized the importance of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and security, further signaling its intent to reopen its embassy in Kabul. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s internal situation is precarious, with widespread internet disruptions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to large-scale protests by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) group, which attempted a march towards the US Embassy over the Gaza conflict, leading to violent confrontations with security forces. This complex geopolitical scenario highlights the strategic miscalculation behind the recent Pakistani military action.
