‘National Security Is Non-Negotiable’: Danyal on Afghanistan Strikes

Islamabad (TDI): Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry on Monday said Pakistan’s national security could not be compromised following airstrikes on terrorist targets inside Afghanistan that reportedly killed more than 80 militants.

In a statement, Chaudhry said Pakistan had consistently pursued dialogue and peaceful coexistence but would act decisively when its security was threatened.

“Pakistan has always chosen the path of dialogue and peaceful coexistence. But when Afghan soil continues to be used for proxy attacks, we have no choice but to defend our homeland. National security is non-negotiable,” he said.

The PML-N lawmaker said the people of Pakistan stood firmly behind the armed forces in the fight against terrorism and urged Afghan authorities to take decisive measures to prevent their territory from being used for cross-border militancy. He added that durable regional peace required the dismantling of militant sanctuaries.

Referring to the recent operation, Chaudhry said it had successfully neutralised individuals involved in attacks on Pakistani soil and was carried out with precautions to avoid civilian casualties. He described the action as targeted and proportionate.

The parliamentary secretary also cited a United Nations report, stating that militants from 21 different groups were operating from Afghan territory, posing risks to regional stability. He further alleged that India continued to support militant networks hostile to Pakistan, claiming such groups were being funded and trained to conduct cross-border attacks.

His remarks followed retaliatory airstrikes conducted by Pakistan after a series of suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu that resulted in the deaths of security personnel and civilians. Security sources described the operation as intelligence-based and aimed specifically at those responsible