Pakistan’s military spokesperson, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, on Wednesday rejected claims that Pakistan targeted a drug rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan. He said the strikes were aimed at a legitimate ammunition storage site used by terrorists.
The controversy arose after Afghan Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat claimed that an airstrike hit the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, killing up to 400 people. The DG ISPR dismissed these allegations as “ridiculous” and “entirely baseless,” saying Pakistan only targeted terrorist infrastructure linked to attacks inside Pakistan.
Addressing the issue in a television interview, the DG ISPR stated, “We hit a military camp and a drone storage site. The explosion of stored ammunition caused visible flames across Kabul.” He added that precision-guided munitions were used to avoid civilian casualties.
The DG ISPR questioned the credibility of the Taliban’s claims, noting previous false statements, including allegations against a Pakistani pilot. He emphasized that Pakistan’s military operations focus solely on terrorists and their support networks, not Afghan civilians.
He explained that recent cross-border attacks in Pakistan, including incidents in Tarlai, Wana, and Bannu, originated from Afghanistan. “These attackers received training and preparation across the border,” he said, highlighting the role of Afghanistan as a base for anti-Pakistan militants.
The DG ISPR also rejected the notion that Pakistan had declared war on Afghanistan. He clarified, “The war on terror has been imposed on Pakistan. Our forces are fighting terrorists and their sponsors, not the Afghan people.” He described Afghans as “brothers and sisters” who are themselves victims of oppression by warlords.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan conducted targeted airstrikes at 81 locations, all part of ongoing counterterrorism operations. The DG ISPR noted that these actions were in response to Afghan Taliban attacks on Pakistani posts along the border, which initiated the recent escalation.
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He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to precision strikes and defensive operations. “Every strike is aimed at terrorist hideouts. Our goal is to neutralize threats, not harm civilians,” the DG ISPR said, urging the international community to recognize Pakistan’s position.
