In a dramatic escalation that has jeopardized regional stability, Pakistan’s military, led by Army Chief General Asim Munir, conducted airstrikes near Kabul late Tuesday. Islamabad stated the objective was to eliminate Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Noor Wali Mehsud, whom they accused of orchestrating a recent fatal attack on Pakistani forces in Orakzai. However, the TTP quickly released an audio message, purportedly from Mehsud, refuting claims of his demise and asserting he is alive, casting immediate doubt on the operation’s success and justification.
This military action has drawn sharp criticism, with analysts labeling it the biggest blunder in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. The Taliban government in Kabul vehemently condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of Afghan sovereignty, issuing a stern warning of retaliation and stating Pakistan would bear responsibility for any civilian casualties. The incident unfolds as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is in India for high-level discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During these talks, India reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and security and announced its intention to fully reopen its embassy in Kabul, signifying a deepening diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s domestic scene is increasingly fraught. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has resorted to suspending internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This measure comes amidst large-scale protests by the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) group, which attempted to march towards the US Embassy in response to the Gaza conflict, leading to violent confrontations with security forces.
