Islamabad: In a series of intense clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, 23 Pakistani soldiers have laid down their lives, while more than 200 Taliban militants and affiliated terrorists have been killed following an unprovoked attack from the Afghan side, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.
The confrontation erupted after Afghan Taliban militants, along with India-backed extremist group Fitna-al-Khawarij, launched an unprovoked assault on Pakistan on the night of October 11/12, 2025, according to the ISPR statement.
Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term used by Pakistan for terrorist elements associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna-al-Hindustan is the term used for terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.
“During the clashes that took place overnight, 23 brave Pakistani soldiers were martyred while defending Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty against this unprovoked aggression. Additionally, 29 soldiers were wounded in the fighting,” the ISPR said.
The statement further revealed that, according to intelligence sources and damage reports, over 200 Taliban militants and affiliated terrorists were neutralized in the operations, with the number of wounded enemy fighters being much higher.
Afghanistan has claimed the attack was a retaliatory measure following alleged Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan territory earlier in the week. However, Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in those airstrikes but has strongly urged Kabul to stop sheltering the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
Despite repeated denials from Afghanistan regarding the harboring of terrorists, Pakistan’s ISPR has condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” aimed at destabilizing border regions and facilitating terrorist activities.
“Exercising its right to self-defense, Pakistan’s vigilant armed forces decisively repelled the attack along the border and inflicted heavy losses on the Taliban and their extremist affiliates,” the ISPR statement emphasized.
Pakistan’s military carried out precision strikes and raids on Taliban camps, posts, terrorist training facilities, and other infrastructure supporting terrorism, including elements linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, and ISIS-K (Daesh).
“Every possible measure was taken to minimize collateral damage and ensure the protection of civilian lives,” the statement assured.
As a result of the operation, several Taliban positions along the border were destroyed. “Pakistani forces briefly captured 21 hostile posts on the Afghan side and rendered several terrorist training camps inoperable. The damage to Taliban infrastructure, including camps, headquarters, and terrorist support networks, was extensive,” the ISPR added.
The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain resolutely prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens. “Our commitment to protecting Pakistan’s territorial integrity and defeating those who threaten our security remains steadfast.”
While Pakistan prefers diplomacy and peaceful dialogue over violence, the ISPR stated, “We will not tolerate the use of Afghan territory for terrorism against Pakistan.”
Pakistan also expressed concern that the provocation occurred during the visit of the Afghan Taliban’s foreign minister to India, a country Pakistan has accused of being the region’s “biggest sponsor of terrorism.”
For regional peace and security, Pakistan called on the Taliban government in Afghanistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorist groups, including Fitna-al-Khawarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, and ISIS-K/Daesh, operating from their territory.
“If the Taliban government continues to support terrorist groups, in collaboration with India, to destabilize the region, Pakistan will not rest until the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is completely eliminated,” the ISPR statement concluded.
Earlier, reports from state broadcaster PTV News indicated that the Pakistan Army carried out successful strikes on several Afghan militant posts. The strikes targeted Durrani Camp, Manojba Camp Battalion Headquarters, Manojba Camp-2, and Ghaznali Headquarters in the Noshki Sector, completely neutralizing these locations.
“Numerous Taliban and Khwarij militants stationed at these camps and headquarters were killed during the strikes,” the report stated.
Further, security sources revealed that the Pakistan Army successfully targeted and destroyed the Afghan Taliban’s significant Asmatullah Karar Camp at Spin Boldak, a key base from where terrorist activities against Pakistan were being planned.
The militants hiding in the Asmatullah Karar Camp suffered “severe losses” during the operation, sources confirmed.
State broadcaster Radio Pakistan also shared footage of a “second engagement and destruction” of the Asmatullah Karar camp at Spin Boldak, further demonstrating Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorist infrastructure along the border.
