Pakistan’s New Era of Resolve: Facing Terrorism Head-On & Sending a Clear Message “We Know, We Act”
On 9 October 2025, a significant chapter unfolded in the ongoing fight against terrorism when the Pakistan Air Force conducted missile strikes over Kabul, targeting key militant hideouts. This daring move — reportedly aimed at eliminating terrorists plotting attacks on Pakistani soil — marked a turning point in Islamabad’s counter-insurgency strategy, signaling that Pakistan will no longer tolerate threats to its peace and security.
This blog explores why Pakistan said “enough”, what triggered this escalation, what Pakistan aims to achieve, and how it plans to fight back — not just with weapons, but with policy, diplomacy, and resilience.
🚀 Operation at a Glance: Cross-Border Strike in Kabul
On the night of 9 October 2025, detonations rocked Kabul’s skyline near Abdul Haq Square, a district reportedly used by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a command center. Pakistani jets are believed to have struck safe houses and mobile units, killing TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, who masterminded attacks on Pakistani forces.
Key Outcomes:
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Target: TTP leadership, including Mehsud.
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Impact: Several militants believed killed; explosion felt across Kabul city.
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Diplomatic Fallout: Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s envoy for the second time in 2025.
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Significance: Marked escalation from border skirmishes to aerial campaigns.
📍 Background: Why Pakistan Struck
This strike was not a spontaneous decision. It was the result of years of negligence and provocation by terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil — and repeated warnings ignored by Kabul. Pakistan’s decision was driven by:
1. Cross-Border Attacks on Pakistan’s Soil
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Orakzai ambush (8 Oct 2025): 11 Pakistan paramilitary soldiers killed, 19 TTP militants neutralized.
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Previous attacks (2022–2025): Over 700 major incidents linked to TTP targets, including information hubs and civilian gatherings.
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TTP’s growing strength: Expanded recruitment and operational reach since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
2. Safe Havens for Terrorists
Pakistan repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s new rulers of allowing TTP fighters to:
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Maintain hideouts in provinces like Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika.
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Plan suicide attacks, kidnappings, and sabotage operations targeting Pakistani nationals and military convoys.
3. Diplomacy Rejected
Despite multiple summonings to Kabul, Afghan authorities have failed to act decisively. Repeated promises were met with suspicion and empty rhetoric, leaving Pakistan with little choice but to adopt a military solution.
🛡️ Pakistan’s Broader Counter-Terror Strategy
The Kabul strike is just one chapter in Pakistan’s larger push against extremism — a campaign driven by a unified approach that combines military action, ground operations, and intelligence.
💂♂️ Military Operations
Pakistan’s armed forces, along with federal and intelligence agencies, have executed some of the most formidable countermeasures in the region. Examples include:
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Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Launched in 2024, it aims at crushing militant networks and tackling the socioeconomic roots of extremism.
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Operation Zarb-e-Azb & Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad: These legendary campaigns dismantled TTP strongholds and reduced terrorist incidents by nearly 60% in the mid-2010s.
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Operation Sarbakaf: A series of raids in Bajaur (2025) targeting remaining TTP hideouts.
🤝 Social and Diplomatic Strategy
Pakistan’s response is not only military. It also focuses on:
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Refusing to tolerate sanctuary: Threatening Afghan leaders with consequences for harboring terrorists.
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Diplomatic coordination: Seeking international coalition support to pressure states backing or harboring militants.
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Information operations: Exposing Indian complicity in backing TTP and Baloch separatists — allegations India consistently denies.
📊 The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s Message to the World
This strike is more than just a counterattack — it’s a declaration of resolve. Pakistan is sending a crystal-clear message:
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🇵🇰 To terrorists: Your attempts to destabilize Pakistan will fail.
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🤝 To your supporters: Help comes with an outcome — and we will hold you accountable.
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🌏 To the international community: We are capable, we are firm, and we will defend our sovereignty.
Key aspects:
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✔️ Intelligence-based operations: Precision strikes minimize collateral damage.
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✔️ Continuous vigilance: Cross-border ambition will not translate into success.
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✔️ Nation-first policy: The safety of Pakistani citizens is non-negotiable.
🇵🇰 Heroes and Lessons: A Showcase of National Resolve
Soldiers, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies — coordinated with civilian leadership — symbolize a Pakistan that is no longer reactive, but offensive in defense.
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The dedication of brave men, who faced ambushes at terrain unfavorable to them.
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The vigilance of intelligence community, uncovering terrorist networks before they act.
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The resilience of people, standing firm in public support of counterterrorism policies.
🧭 What Comes Next?
🔥 Short Term
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Continued airstrikes and special operations against remaining TTP camps.
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Investigations into terror financing sources — including possible cross-border backing.
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International outreach to restrict safe havens and isolate donor networks.
🏛️ Long Term
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Strengthening the National Action Plan with updated policies and stricter enforcement.
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Cooperative measures with neighbors to deny moving sanctuaries to terror actors.
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Expanding counter-radicalization programs in schools, communities, and prisons.
🧠 FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1. Why did Pakistan attack Kabul now?
A: Pakistan reached a tipping point after repeated attacks on its soil and the Afghan Taliban’s continued sheltering of TTP fighters. Intelligence indicated that top leadership — including Noor Wali Mehsud — was close to finalizing plans for fresh strikes on Pakistani cities.
Q2. Is Pakistan violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty?
A: Pakistan’s position is that it acted in self-defense against a looming external threat under Article 51 of the UN Charter. It alleges Kabul failed to prevent the use of its territory to fund or plan terrorism.
Q3. Was anyone killed in the strike?
A: Local reports suggest multiple militants, possibly including Mehsud, were killed, but Afghan officials are still investigating. No civilian casualties have been confirmed.
Q4. How will this affect Pakistan–Afghanistan relations?
A: The incident will undoubtedly strain relations in the short term. However, foreign ministers and diplomats are expected to meet soon to prevent a larger escalation.
Q5. What is Pakistan’s long-term plan against terrorism?
A: Pakistan continues to prioritize policies like the National Action Plan and Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — combining military force, intelligence, legal action, and development programs to eliminate terrorism from its soil.