Kabul, June 30: The recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces have drawn widespread condemnation from various countries and international organizations. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians, including women and children, and left 163 others injured.
Hamidullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Taliban government, provided an update on the casualties on Monday. He reported that three homes were completely destroyed in the assault.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the incident, urging an immediate cessation of violence and the protection of civilians. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, emphasized that all parties should resolve their differences through diplomatic means and adhere to international humanitarian law to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan also confirmed that many civilians, including women and children, were killed and a significant number were injured in these attacks. The mission reiterated the need to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law, including precaution, distinction, and proportionality, while expressing condolences to the affected families.
The European Union (EU) also called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged restraint. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anwar Al Anouani stated that the safety of civilians must be a top priority, and international humanitarian law should be respected at all costs.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, voiced concern over the casualties among civilians, including women and children. He stressed the need to address Pakistan’s security concerns within the framework of international law, exercise restraint, ensure civilian safety, and establish accountability.
Meanwhile, Richard Lindsay, the UK Special Envoy for Afghanistan, expressed grave concern over the ongoing violence and continuous loss of life, condemning all forms of terrorism and calling for adherence to international humanitarian law and a reduction in tensions.
In response, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires at the Pakistani embassy in Kabul on Monday to register a strong protest against Pakistan. The ministry stated that Pakistan’s violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and bombing of civilian homes constitutes a serious breach of international law, humanitarian law, and the territorial integrity of any sovereign nation.
The ministry’s statement accused Pakistan of blaming Afghanistan for its internal security and political failures without any concrete evidence, and of pursuing a failed policy of resolving issues through the use of force and military action.
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