PM, President warn of firm response as border clashes intensify

Pakistan’s prime minister and president have reiterated that the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and public safety are “non-negotiable” as clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will not compromise on its defence and that any act of aggression would be met with a firm response. He added that the public and the armed forces remain prepared to protect the country, pointing to the military’s training, defensive planning, and readiness to address internal and external threats.

The premier also said Pakistan has consistently promoted peace, but that restraint should not be interpreted as weakness. He stressed that the armed forces would confront any aggression and that the nation stands behind them.

President Asif Ali Zardari echoed the stance in a message, saying Pakistan will not compromise on peace or territorial integrity. He warned that anyone misreading Pakistan’s pursuit of peace would face a comprehensive and decisive response, and that the armed forces’ reach would extend to any aggressor.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, commenting on the wider context, said Pakistan had expected stability after NATO’s withdrawal but accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of enabling hostile designs and failing to prioritise Afghan welfare. He said Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over decades and argued that patience is now exhausted, with security forces responding decisively to threats.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned what he described as attempts to target civilians, calling such actions unacceptable. He praised the military’s response and warned that any effort to endanger Pakistan’s people or security would bring serious consequences.