Political, Military Leaders Unite After Border Strikes
News Desk/APP
Islamabad: Pakistan’s political leadership and security analysts on Friday strongly endorsed the country’s decisive response against militant hideouts inside Afghanistan, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard national sovereignty and curb cross-border terrorism.
The statements came on the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, as President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan would respond immediately and forcefully to any threat, whether from the eastern or western borders.
In a message issued by the Presidency, the president paid tribute to the armed forces for their professionalism and courage, stating that the spirit demonstrated during Operation Swift Retort continued to guide Pakistan’s defense policy.
President Zardari emphasized that national sovereignty was non-negotiable and that any aggression would be met with a swift and decisive response.
Referring to recent developments along the western frontier, the president said Pakistan had once again demonstrated resolve and capability in defending its territorial integrity. He added that while Pakistan desired regional peace, such peace was maintained through strength and vigilance.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori praised the security forces for what he termed an effective operation against militant elements following alleged unprovoked firing incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He maintained that the armed forces had destroyed militant hideouts and delivered a strong message that cross-border terrorism would not be tolerated.
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Similarly, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information Barrister Danyal Chaudhary described the operation as timely and proportionate, warning that any aggression targeting civilians or security posts would carry serious consequences. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace but stressed that defense of sovereignty remained paramount.
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan also condemned what he described as the use of Afghan soil by hostile elements, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
He asserted that protecting the motherland was a sacred duty and that no compromise would be made on national security.
Security analysts framed the latest developments within a broader geopolitical context.
Brigadier (R) Mehmood Shah, former Secretary Law and Order of erstwhile FATA, termed the cross-border incidents a serious violation of international commitments, including the Doha Agreement, which obligates Afghan authorities to prevent the use of their territory for attacks against other states.
He argued that repeated incidents and the alleged presence of TTP training camps inside Afghanistan had left Pakistan with limited options, compelling it to undertake targeted retaliatory actions in self-defense.
Dr Adnan Sarwar Khan, former Chairman of International Relations at the University of Peshawar, said Pakistan’s demands for dismantling terrorist infrastructure were consistent with international norms.
He noted that Pakistan had suffered immense human and economic losses due to decades of instability linked to the Afghan conflict.
Dr Zahid Anwar, Professor of Political Science at the University of Peshawar, emphasized that while Pakistan’s military response demonstrated operational capability, sustainable regional peace would depend on constructive diplomatic engagement and the elimination of militant sanctuaries.
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Experts collectively described the situation as a critical juncture for regional stability. While endorsing Pakistan’s right to self-defense, they urged dialogue and responsible state conduct to prevent further escalation.
The unified tone from political leaders and analysts underscored a broader national consensus: Pakistan seeks peace with its neighbors, but will respond decisively to militant threats emanating from across its borders.
Religious Leaders Back Armed Forces’ Response
Prominent religious scholars on Friday expressed strong support for Pakistan’s armed forces over their robust response to alleged cross-border aggression and militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan, urging Afghan authorities to uphold Islamic principles of peace, particularly during Ramazan.
Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, along with Mufti Muhammad Zubair and Abdul Khabir Azad, voiced their backing for the military’s actions during media interactions.
Ashrafi announced that Friday would be observed as “Youm-e-Istehkam Pakistan” (Day of Pakistan’s Resolve) to demonstrate national unity and solidarity with the armed forces. He said Pakistan’s people and military stood united to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The scholars called on Afghan authorities to respect the sanctity of Ramazan and adhere to Islamic teachings of brotherhood and non-violence. They urged an end to what they described as the use of Afghan soil for harboring militant elements targeting Pakistan.
The religious leaders warned that continued aggression or support for militant activities would invite serious consequences, reiterating that the nation remained steadfast and prepared to respond to any threat.
They emphasized that while Pakistan desired peace and regional stability, it would not compromise on its security or dignity.
