Pakistan Dismisses Afghan and Indian Media Allegations as Propaganda
Allegations circulating in Afghan and Indian media accusing Pakistan of targeting civilian populations in Afghanistan are part of a misleading propaganda campaign, according to official and expert sources. The controversy stems from a report issued by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has been cited to support claims of civilian harm. However, security officials maintain that the report does not accurately reflect the operational realities on the ground.
Military Clarifies Precision Strikes in Response to Aggression
According to Pakistan’s military, the recent strikes were carried out in response to unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban regime and the militant group referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij. The military emphasized that only verified military and terrorist targets were engaged during Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq. The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, had earlier clarified during a press briefing that the Pakistan Army conducted precision strikes based on credible intelligence.
He stated that the targets included brigade headquarters, battalion headquarters, ammunition depots, logistics bases, and specific check posts used for hostile activities. “The Pakistan Armed Forces acted in a professional manner and exclusively targeted military objectives,” the DG ISPR had said, reiterating that no civilian population was deliberately targeted.
Expert Support and Analysis of Media Narratives
Security experts have also supported the military’s stance, arguing that international media outlets have corroborated Pakistan’s claims through imagery and video evidence showing strikes on military infrastructure. They emphasized that the Pakistan Army is a professional force committed to transparency and adherence to international norms. Analysts further noted the increasing operational overlap between the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij, suggesting that distinguishing between combatants and civilians has become more complex due to similarities in appearance and operational tactics.
In such circumstances, experts questioned how international bodies could conclusively attribute civilian harm without independent and verifiable ground assessments. They also pointed out that the Afghan Taliban have, on previous occasions, disseminated inaccurate information to shape narratives in their favor. According to analysts, the current allegations may be aimed at generating international sympathy amid mounting internal and external pressures.
Commitment to National Security and Professional Standards
Officials maintain that Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding its national security while adhering to professional military standards and avoiding harm to civilian populations. The military’s response underscores a broader strategy of countering misinformation and upholding operational integrity in the face of geopolitical challenges.
