Pakistan claims killing more than 200 Afghan troops, confirms 23 soldiers martyred | The Express Tribune

Pakistan Army said its security forces killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban fighters in overnight clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, confirming that 23 of its soldiers were martyred during the crossfire.

According to the statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the confrontation took place on the night of October 11 and 12 when Afghan Taliban forces, supported by Indian-sponsored elements of Fitna al Khawarij, launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani positions.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term coined by the state for terrorists affiliated with proscribed outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) since the war with India in May 2025. 

The attack, which included cross-border firing and limited physical raids, was reportedly aimed at destabilising border areas to facilitate terrorism.

Read: Pakistan Army delivers strong response to unprovoked Afghan aggression along border

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistani troops exercised the right of self-defence and repelled the attack decisively, inflicting heavy casualties on Taliban forces and their affiliates.

Precision strikes and physical raids were carried out against Taliban camps, posts, and terrorist training facilities inside Afghan territory, including networks linked to Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), and ISKP/Daesh.

Military officials said more than 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists were neutralised, while multiple training camps and support bases were destroyed. 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side of the border were briefly captured before Pakistani troops withdrew.

During the overnight operations, 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred and 29 others sustained injuries. Pakistan said all measures were taken to avoid collateral damage and protect civilian lives.

Read more: Pakistan Army hits back after night of Afghan fire across multiple fronts

While the people of Pakistan prefer constructive diplomacy and dialogue over violence and belligerence, we will not tolerate the treacherous use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. We have noted with concern that this serious provocation has occurred during the visit of the Taliban Foreign Minister to India, the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region, security sources said.

In the interest of regional peace and security, we call upon the Taliban Government to take immediate and verifiable actions to neutralise the terrorist groups, inter alia, FAK, FAH and ISKP/Daesh operating from their territory.

Otherwise, Pakistan will continue to exercise its right to defend its people by the persistent neutralisation of terror targets. The Taliban Government should shun any ill-begotten notions and prioritise the wellbeing, peace, prosperity, and development of the Afghan people over irresponsible sabre-rattling.

Also read: Pakistan seals border with Afghanistan after cross-border fire

Last night’s episode vindicates Pakistan’s long-standing position that the Taliban Government is actively facilitating terrorists.

If the Taliban Government continues to sponsor terrorist outfits, in cohorts with India, for the shortsighted objective of destabilising the region, the people and the state of Pakistan will not rest until the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is eliminated.