At least four civilians were killed and a five-year-old child was seriously injured after mortar shells fired from across the border struck a village in Bajaur District on Sunday.
According to Attaullah Tarar, the attack occurred at around 3pm when forces linked to the Afghan Taliban reportedly fired artillery and mortar rounds into a civilian area from across the border.
In a statement posted on X, Tarar said Pakistani forces had responded strongly to the attack.
“A befitting and aggressive response is being given to the Afghan Taliban regime positions and infrastructure responsible for this dastardly act,” he stated.
The minister confirmed that the victims — Sajid, Ayaz, Riaz, and Muaz — were brothers. Local residents condemned the attack and expressed outrage over the targeting of civilians.
Tarar described the incident as a serious violation of international law and humanitarian principles. He alleged that the attack involved coordination between the Afghan Taliban and the militant group known as Fitna-al-Khawarij.
He said the incident reflected growing pressure on militant networks following intensified counterterrorism operations by Pakistan Armed Forces.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq
Earlier, Tarar shared details about the ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, stating that Pakistani forces carried out overnight strikes on militant hideouts in Kandahar and the Chitral sector.
According to the minister, the strikes destroyed a tunnel, technical infrastructure, and equipment storage facilities allegedly used by Afghan Taliban fighters and affiliated militants.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was launched last month following renewed clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border after Afghan Taliban forces reportedly opened fire on several locations.
Since then, tensions between the two neighbouring countries have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of cross-border attacks and military retaliation.
