Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai criticized Pakistan for violating Afghanistan’s airspace and conducting airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of civilians, including women and children in Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. Karzai urged Islamabad to acknowledge its aggressive actions in the region and to abandon its policy of “war and destruction.” The condemnation followed a statement by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirming the deaths of 13 civilians, mostly children, in Pakistani military airstrikes in the mentioned provinces.
Expressing sorrow and solidarity with the affected families, Karzai took to social media to emphasize that Pakistan should reconsider its policies and actions in the region. He highlighted that Pakistan’s interests would be better served by opting for peaceful and neighborly relations with Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Mujahid condemned the Pakistani forces’ actions, revealing that the airstrikes on civilian homes resulted in the deaths of 11 children, one woman, and an elderly man, with 14 other women and children sustaining injuries.
The recent incident adds to the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by ongoing exchanges of fire and rising concerns over civilian casualties. Both nations have accused each other of contributing to the instability, while diplomatic efforts to mediate the situation have so far been ineffective in preventing further escalation. In a previous attack by the Pakistan army in Kunar province, three individuals lost their lives, and 14 others were wounded, as reported by the Taliban regime.
The Taliban district governor in Dangam, Mohammad Omar Sadiq, disclosed that the Pakistani army, unable to engage directly, has resorted to targeting civilian infrastructure. He mentioned the destruction of schools, a clinic, mosques, and the killing of livestock in the strikes. Sadiq further noted that since the onset of Pakistan’s attacks on Kunar province, 12 schools have been demolished.
