Jati Umra, Lahore — Pakistan’s prime minister on Wednesday vowed a “forceful and decisive” response to any aggression from Afghanistan, praising the armed forces’ conduct and warning that Islamabad will not tolerate attacks launched from across the border.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking after a meeting with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra, said the government had full confidence in the military’s professional handling of recent border incidents and reiterated that Pakistan would defend every inch of its territory.

‘A Forceful and Effective Response’ to Any Aggression

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad condemns the recent provocations in border districts and pledged that “every aggressive act from Afghanistan will receive a forceful and effective response.” He added: “There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence; every attack will be answered with strength and effectiveness.”

The prime minister praised the army’s leadership and troops for what he called a “firm and clear reply” under the command of Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. “We take pride in the professional skill of our armed forces,” he said, stressing that the nation stands united behind its security institutions.

Government Says Pakistan’s Defence is in Safe Hands

Shehbaz Sharif sought to reassure the public of the government’s handling of the crisis, saying Pakistan’s defence “is in safe hands” and that the country knows how to protect every inch of its soil. “Our armed forces have always delivered a crushing response to external aggression, and the entire nation stands in solidarity with our security forces,” the prime minister told reporters.

He said the military had destroyed several hostile forward positions in recent operations and forced attackers to retreat, a claim that aligns with official military accounts issued earlier.

Pakistan’s Expectation from Afghan Interim Government

Turning to the broader security challenge, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had repeatedly warned Kabul about extremist groups using Afghan territory as a launchpad for attacks. He named groups including “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hind,” alleging these outfits were operating from Afghan soil and receiving support from elements within the country.

“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan administration to prevent the use of its territory by terrorist groups to launch attacks against Pakistan,” the prime minister said. He urged Kabul to take concrete and verifiable steps to dismantle militant safe havens or face further Pakistani operations aimed at protecting civilians and troops.

Areas Hit and Consultations with Former Premier

According to the prime minister’s office, the attacks originated from multiple border localities, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral and Baramcha. The government statement said Pakistani forces responded by targeting the bases and positions used by the attackers.

Local media and official sources also reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra for consultations. The discussion, sources said, covered the Pak-Afghan border tensions and other national matters. No further details were disclosed about the meeting.

Emphasis on Diplomacy, with a Warning

While the prime minister underlined Pakistan’s preference for diplomacy, his remarks carried a clear warning: dialogue is preferable, but not at the cost of Pakistan’s security. The message echoes repeated calls by Islamabad for verifiable Afghan action against militant groups accused of plotting inside Afghanistan. Officials in Islamabad argue such sanctuaries not only threaten Pakistani security but also destabilise the wider region.

Political and Public Context

Pakistan’s leadership has repeatedly linked regional instability to the presence of militant networks that operate across porous border regions. The prime minister’s comments, delivered against a backdrop of heightened military activity and public concern, are likely intended to reassure both political allies and the wider public that the state will defend its sovereignty.

Critics, meanwhile, caution that cross-border military operations can escalate tensions and urge parallel diplomatic channels to remain open. Islamabad says it prefers a diplomatic approach but will continue to act if threats persist.

Looking Ahead

As Islamabad presses for verifiable action from Kabul, the immediate trajectory will depend on responses from Afghan authorities and the evolving security situation along the frontier. For now, the prime minister’s message is unambiguous. Pakistan will defend its people and territory, and any further aggression from across the border will receive a forceful and effective response.