"We want to exist in a very peaceful environment with our neighboring brothers — do trade, commerce and expand our relations — but unfortunately, if a neighbor's land is used for terrorism, this is intolerable," Sharif told reporters in Islamabad on Wednesday following the meeting of the apex committee, Pakistan's top government body. "We will not tolerate any terrorism from across the border. Under no circumstances."
Following the PAF's military action, the Taliban released a statement, condemning the unilateral Pakistani move before issuing a threat of reprisals.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which has a long experience of freedom struggle against the superpowers of the world, does not allow anyone to invade its territory," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in what was the hardline group's first reaction to Islamabad's operation in Afghanistan. "Pakistan shouldn't blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems in its own territory. Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will not be in Pakistan's control."