Islamabad_ During a detailed media briefing, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar disclosed that Pakistan had been prepared to launch a kinetic security operation inside Afghanistan. He stated that the plan, referred to informally as a clean-up operation, was put on hold after Qatar and Türkiye stepped in, offering to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul.
Dar said both countries were fully aware of Pakistan’s intended action and maintained continuous contact with him to facilitate dialogue. However, he added that the mediation effort stalled after the Afghan Taliban refused to alter their position on the presence of TTP militants.
“We told them to remove TTP members from the border areas or hand them over to Pakistan,”
Dar said, noting that relations had become strained due to the lack of a positive response. He further revealed that 4,000 Pakistani security personnel have been martyred and nearly 20,000 injured since the Taliban takeover, underscoring the scale of Pakistan’s security burden.
Kabul Confirms Nearly 100 Imprisoned TTP Militants
Dar also revealed that during the recent Afghan delegation’s visit to Islamabad, Kabul verified the presence of almost 100 imprisoned TTP terrorists.
He welcomed the development, calling it a “positive initial step,” but stressed that Pakistan expects decisive, consistent, and verifiable action against TTP elements operating from Afghan territory.
UN Asks Pakistan for Food Aid to Afghanistan
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the United Nations has formally requested Pakistan to send basic food supplies to Afghanistan. He confirmed speaking to the head of Pakistan’s armed forces regarding the matter, while a discussion with the Prime Minister is still pending. Dar clarified that the aid would be strictly humanitarian, intended solely for the Afghan people, and said he hopes a positive announcement will come by tomorrow.
On Hamas and Disarmament
Addressing a question on Gaza, Foreign Minister Dar stated that Pakistan will not pressure Hamas to disarm, noting that such a responsibility lies with the Palestinian security forces, not Islamabad. He emphasized that Pakistan’s objective is regional peace, and the country is willing to provide forces but only if the mandate and authority of Palestinian security institutions are clearly defined.