Nearly 800 militants killed, says Pakistan, Afghan Taliban counters with strong denial

Pakistan on Sunday claimed that nearly 800 militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Afghan Taliban have been killed in its ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq , escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that since the operation began on February 26 , at least 796 militants have been killed, 1,043 injured , and 286 Afghan Taliban posts destroyed , while 44 captured . He added that 249 tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery guns and drones were destroyed. Pakistani forces also conducted airstrikes on 81 targets in Afghanistan and foiled an attempted attack on a border post in Ghulam Khan sector , killing 37 militants .

Pakistan alleges these groups, termed “Fitna Al Khawarij” , launched cross-border attacks from Afghan soil. Islamabad says the operation was in response to “unprovoked firing” by Afghan Taliban forces.

The Afghan Taliban government rejected Pakistan’s claims as “exaggerated and baseless” , denying the presence of TTP militants and accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi confirmed that dialogue is ongoing, aiming for a resolution through talks .

Diplomatically, Pakistan has demanded that Kabul formally declare the TTP a terrorist organisation , dismantle its infrastructure, and provide verifiable proof of action . These demands were presented during China-facilitated talks in Urumqi, the first major engagement since the operation began. Discussions also include a ceasefire, counterterrorism assurances, dismantling terror sanctuaries , and measures for secure trade routes , with technical-level delegations from both sides participating.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that the talks do not signal a policy shift, while China emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution and raised concerns over militant groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) .

The conflict highlights persistent mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul, with the Urumqi talks offering a tentative but crucial platform to address Pakistan’s core security concerns and stabilise bilateral ties.