Tehran- IRAF- John Hakezi released a statement on social media platform X today (Sunday, February 22) providing new details about Pakistan’s recent air operations on Afghan soil.
Hakezi stressed the legitimacy of Pakistan’s military action and stated that the strikes were exclusively aimed at militants of the so-called “Fitna Kharij FAK” (a faction associated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan).
According to the statement, precise airstrikes were carried out in three areas: Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar. Hakezi wrote: “Specific mission, specific target, decisive result.”
He claimed that over 70 Pakistani Taliban militants, including several mid-level commanders, were killed in these strikes.
Emphasis on Avoiding Civilian Casualties
The former Balochistan Information Minister praised the precision of Pakistan’s strikes, noting that militants often use civilians as human shields, and dismissed claims about Afghan border police casualties in Nangarhar as “false” and part of “coordinated propaganda” by the enemy.
Hakezi said Islamabad had repeatedly shared operational intelligence with the Taliban, but their inaction against cross-border threats forced Pakistan to defend itself decisively.
He categorically denied any civilian casualties in the operation and added that no government or Taliban institutional assets were targeted.
Warning Against Hostile Taliban Response
The former Pakistani official issued a stern warning that any hostile response or escalation by groups based in Afghanistan would be met with “full force.”
According to Hakezi, following these strikes, the social media accounts of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and affiliated groups were shut down, indicating a breakdown in their mid-level command structure.
He also mentioned disruptions in communications and signal blackouts in targeted areas, describing them as attempts to conceal the actual extent of militant casualties.
Hakezi emphasized Pakistan’s right to act against threats emanating from Afghan territory, stating: “Cross-border terrorism will not be tolerated, and its safe havens across the Durand Line will be eliminated. Sovereignty is non-negotiable.”
Pakistan’s airstrikes last night targeted five districts in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, and have drawn strong reactions from Taliban officials and figures close to the group.
While local sources report extensive civilian casualties, especially among children, the Taliban’s official sources have not yet released exact figures.
