Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Thursday confirmed that the country carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan on Tuesday night.

“Pakistan is united for its people. Pakistan conducted an operation in Afghanistan’s border areas,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, Dawn newspaper reported.

“The intelligence-based operation was conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s border areas,” Baloch specified, adding that it was carried out “based on threats to the security of Pakistani citizens”.

However, the official stressed that Pakistan had “always prioritised dialogue in matters relating to ties with Afghanistan”.

“We respect Afghanistan’s integrity and sovereignty,” she asserted.

Baloch noted that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies routinely conduct operations “against terrorist groups in the border areas”. “Preparations for these operations are made in an extremely careful manner,” she highlighted.

Stating that protecting its citizens was Pakistan’s top priority, Baloch reiterated that there were “threats posed by terrorist elements to Pakistan and its citizens”.

“Pakistan is committed to the security of its public,” Baloch said.

IEA summons Pakistan’s charge d’Affaires over deadly airstrikes

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) on Wednesday summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry handed over a "firm protest note" to the Pakistani diplomat, condemning the recent airstrikes by Pakistani forces in the Barmal district of Paktika province.

The note stressed that the protection of Afghanistan's territorial integrity is a "red line" for the Islamic Emirate and warned that such reckless actions would have serious and far-reaching consequences.

The Pakistani airstrikes, which took place late Tuesday night, resulted in 46 deaths and left six others injured in Barmal district.

Marking 45 years since the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, the Islamic Emirate said on Thursday that Afghans’ struggle demonstrates that they are deeply committed to their faith, value their freedom and independence, and are ready to sacrifice everything in defense of their beliefs.

“This invasion posed a severe threat to the religion, freedom, prosperity, and social security of the Afghan people,” IEA said in a statement.

It said that as a result of the Afghan people's “sacrifices, hardships, martyrdoms, and unwavering commitment, and with the help of Allah, the once-powerful Soviet forces suffered a humiliating defeat in Afghanistan and were forced to retreat after nine years.”

“Alhamdulillah (thanks Allah), the resilient Afghan nation did not remain silent in the face of this aggression. With unity, determination, and steadfast courage, they stood firm against the Soviet forces, sacrificing their lives, wealth, and everything they owned for the cause of jihad,” it added.

The Islamic Emirate also urged the future generations to “follow the path of their ancestors, defending their faith and homeland with courage, standing firm against any form of invasion and oppression.”

The national cricket teams of Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are set to begin their highly anticipated test match series on Thursday, December 26. The first of the two tests, taking place in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, will run until December 30. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 12:30 PM Kabul time.

This test match adds another exciting chapter to the growing rivalry between the two nations. Afghanistan’s recent tour of Zimbabwe saw the team claim victories in both the T20 and ODI series, boosting their confidence as they transition into the longer format of the game.

The second test match will follow, beginning on January 2. Cricket enthusiasts can expect a thrilling contest as Afghanistan looks to continue its strong form, while Zimbabwe aims to challenge the visitors in the longest format of the game.