A fragile diplomatic truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan unraveled dramatically this week following overnight airstrikes by Pakistani forces within Afghan territory, targeting civilian areas in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces. Afghan authorities have condemned the attacks as a “direct assault on sovereignty,” raising alarms about an already tense standoff that has persisted for weeks.
These airstrikes occurred despite recent ceasefire understandings reached during negotiations in Qatar and Turkey, where both countries had signaled a willingness to de-escalate. Afghan officials are now accusing Pakistan’s military regime of “betraying its commitments” and returning to a pattern of “habitual duplicity.”
Local sources report that the nighttime bombardment resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. While independent verification is challenging due to restricted access, social media platforms show distressing images allegedly depicting the aftermath of the attacks.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, condemned the bombings as a violation of international norms and Afghan territorial integrity. “These hostile actions achieve nothing,” he stated, asserting that defending their airspace and territory is a legitimate right, and that a necessary response would come at the appropriate time.
As of now, the Pakistan Army has not provided a comprehensive public statement regarding the strikes. However, officials in Islamabad have recently claimed that cross-border hostile activities are originating from Afghan territory, an assertion that the Taliban leadership firmly denies.
The airstrikes have prompted widespread condemnation from Afghan political figures across the spectrum. Former President Hamid Karzai urged Pakistan to “abandon hostile policies,” labeling the bombardment of civilian areas as a violation of international principles. He called for Pakistan to foster relations based on “good neighbourliness and foresight.”
Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, instrumental in the original U.S.-Taliban negotiations, also denounced the airstrikes and extended condolences to victims’ families, stressing that “killing civilians is not a solution to any problem.”
The escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan has entered a perilous new phase, with analysts cautioning that miscalculations or provocations from the Pakistani military could swiftly lead to an open and potentially unending conflict. Afghanistan’s vow of a “proper response,” alongside Pakistan’s escalating military posture, keeps both nations on edge, as the regional community watches with deep concern. Despite the grim situation, calls for diplomatic efforts and peaceful resolutions remain crucial as both countries navigate this tumultuous landscape.