COAS briefs Zardari on Afghan ‘aggression’ amid border tensions
“COAS Asim Munir briefed President Zardari on recent Afghan Taliban actions along the border.”
Key points
- COAS Asim Munir briefed President Zardari on recent Afghan Taliban actions along the border.
- Military updates included repelled attacks in Spin Boldak and strikes on Afghan posts and armour.
- Officials cited over 200 militant deaths and 23 Pakistani martyrs in recent clashes.
- Zardari voiced confidence in the forces and vowed to safeguard sovereignty.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and briefed him on what Pakistan describes as aggressive and provocative actions by the Afghan Taliban regime. The army chief reviewed the internal and external security environment, with a particular focus on the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.
According to the President’s Secretariat, the COAS apprised the president of the military’s ongoing response to cross-border attacks and infiltration attempts since last week. Officials said Pakistani operations have killed more than 200 militants during the recent escalation, while 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom defending the border.
The briefing covered the early-morning raids of October 15 in the Spin Boldak area of Balochistan, which Pakistan says were repelled. ISPR earlier stated that eight Afghan posts, including six tanks, were destroyed, and between 15 and 20 Taliban fighters were killed in the engagement.
President Zardari expressed full confidence in the armed forces and praised their vigilance, stressing that Pakistan would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. The meeting also reviewed the broader regional picture as several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran and Russia, urged restraint and dialogue.
Officials noted that the confrontation has unfolded against the backdrop of a visit to India by a senior Taliban diplomat, whose remarks Pakistan viewed as hostile. Islamabad maintains it has hosted millions of Afghan refugees and supported the Afghan people for decades, but expects Kabul to prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the president for consultations on national priorities, including political and security matters and international engagements. Senior cabinet members and advisers joined the discussions, with the premier also updating the presidency on his recent visits and diplomatic outreach for regional stability.
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