Afghan Forces Open Fire to Facilitate Terrorist Infiltration, DG ISPR

Pakistan’s military spokesperson has accused Afghan forces of deliberately engaging Pakistani border posts with gunfire to facilitate terrorist infiltration. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry presented evidence of coordinated attacks during a briefing, while revealing that security forces have conducted over 67,000 intelligence based operations since January, resulting in significant militant casualties amid ongoing cross-border security challenges.

RAWALPINDI — Pakistan’s military has accused Afghan forces of deliberately opening fire on Pakistani border posts to enable terrorists to infiltrate into the country, according to statements made by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made the allegations during a media briefing on November 25, with video footage released by ISPR on Friday evening. The claims highlight escalating tensions along the Pakistan Afghanistan border amid ongoing security challenges.

Coordinated Border Attacks

Lt Gen Chaudhry described what he characterized as a systematic pattern of cross border facilitation. He explained that Afghan posts engage Pakistani checkpoints with gunfire, creating opportunities for militants to cross through gaps in border defenses during the ensuing exchanges.

The military spokesman provided visual evidence during the briefing, displaying photographs of border fencing infrastructure, including installations in snow covered mountainous terrain. He noted that military posts are positioned at intervals of approximately 15 to 25 kilometers along the frontier.

Addressing criticism about border security, Lt Gen Chaudhry questioned whether complete border sealing was feasible, drawing a comparison to the United States’ efforts along its border with Mexico despite significantly greater resources.

Rejection of Taliban Claims

The ISPR chief also denied recent allegations by the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had conducted strikes inside Afghan territory. He emphasized Pakistan’s position that all militant groups are treated equally, stating there is no differentiation between terrorist organizations.

Intensified Counter-Terrorism Operations

Lt Gen Chaudhry provided extensive data on Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts throughout 2024. Since November 4, security forces have conducted 4,910 intelligence based operations, averaging 233 operations daily, resulting in 206 terrorist casualties.

For the entire year through November, Pakistani forces have carried out 67,023 intelligence-based operations nationwide. Balochistan province accounted for the majority with over 53,000 operations, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw more than 12,800, and other regions recorded approximately 850.

The country has experienced 4,729 terrorist incidents since January, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bearing the brunt at 3,357 incidents, followed by Balochistan with 1,346, and 26 in other areas.

The briefing underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly along its western border, and the military’s efforts to counter what it describes as cross border terrorist infiltration with support from Afghan territory.