Pakistan maintains hard-line security policy toward Afghanistan after airstrikes

Pakistan's Interior Ministry official Talal Chaudhry stated that Islamabad will not alter its policy toward Afghanistan following recent airstrikes in Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces. Speaking to Geo News, Chaudhry accused Afghan authorities of maintaining a "guerrilla mindset" and remaining silent on militant activity affecting Pakistan's security, describing the regime next door as "irresponsible."

Pakistan's special envoy for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, held virtual discussions on Thursday with EU special representative Gilles Bertrand on terrorism threats linked to Afghanistan, the regional political and security situation, and human rights. Sadiq also spoke with Iran's South Asia Director General Mohammad Reza Bahrami on Wednesday about counter-terrorism and regional issues.

The talks occur amid escalating cross-border tensions. Pakistan claims the airstrikes targeted militants using Afghan territory to attack inside Pakistan, a charge the Taliban deny, stating civilians were killed. Taliban officials have warned of retaliation at an appropriate time. Clashes involving exchanges of fire between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters were reported along the border on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hasht-e Subh commentary questions public obligations in the Taliban-Pakistan conflict, arguing that harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan provides justification for Pakistan's actions and criticizing Taliban efforts to rally public support.

Separately, Afghanistan's Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs announced plans to soon begin modernizing border markers with Iran following a meeting in Herat's Islam Qala between Afghan and Iranian delegations. Noor Rahman Nasrat, head of operations at the Defense Ministry, cited improved security and relations as enabling the initiative.