Zardari Says Pakistan’s Strikes in Afghanistan Have Been “Successful”

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement marking March 23, the country’s National Day, that Pakistan’s strikes inside Afghanistan against what he called “terrorist threats” have achieved “significant and decisive results.” He added in a warning tone that Pakistan will act firmly against supporters of terrorism and will target those who, according to him, are trying to undermine peace through India or its affiliated elements. Zardari also emphasized that Islamabad will not allow groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army to use Afghan soil to carry out attacks, calling it a “clear message” from Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Taliban have not yet officially responded to these remarks, but they had previously said that Pakistani military strikes mostly targeted civilians. These developments come as clashes between the two sides and Pakistani airstrikes in parts of Afghanistan have entered their fourth week, with both sides claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties on each other during this period.