UN Rights Expert Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan, Urges Return to Dialogue

KABUL/GENEVA – The United Nations’ top human rights expert for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has issued a strong condemnation of Pakistan’s recent military airstrikes on Afghan territory, calling the incidents a “grave violation” of international law and urging all parties to de-escalate tensions through dialogue.

The appeal follows a series of deadly aerial bombardments by Pakistani forces on Monday night, which targeted residential areas in southeastern Afghanistan, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

Airstrikes Target Civilian Homes, Killing Women and Children

The most devastating strike occurred in the Gurbaz district of Khost province, where missiles struck the home of a local resident, Waliat Khan. The attack completely destroyed the dwelling and killed ten civilians, including nine children—five boys and four girls—and one woman.

Simultaneous airstrikes were reported in the eastern Kunar and southeastern Paktika provinces, where local officials confirmed at least four civilians were injured. The Taliban-led government, known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), reported that the strikes damaged property and livestock in addition to causing human casualties.

International Condemnation and a Call for Restraint

In a post on his X social media account, UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett expressed his alarm. “Pakistan and the parties involved should return to the negotiating table and cease using violence to address problems,” he wrote. Bennett underscored that “adherence to international law and the protection of civilians are not optional; they are essential obligations.”

His statement was echoed by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which also condemned the airstrikes and highlighted that “the majority of the victims were children.”

Taliban Government Vows Retaliation

The IEA responded with fury to the incursion. In an official statement, its spokesperson asserted that “defending the country’s land, airspace, and people is the legitimate right of the Islamic Emirate.” The statement condemned the attacks as an “aggression” and a “reckless violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty,” warning that “an appropriate response will be delivered at the proper time.”

Deep-Seated Tensions Fuel Cross-Border Strikes

The airstrikes are a significant escalation in long-standing tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban government. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the IEA of providing safe haven to militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a designated terrorist group also known as the Pakistani Taliban, which carries out attacks against Pakistani security forces.

For years, cross-border skirmishes have been common, but aerial bombardments deep inside Afghan territory represent a dangerous intensification. This military action follows a recent surge in TTP-led attacks within Pakistan, which have killed dozens of soldiers, increasing pressure on the Pakistani government to take decisive action.

A Fractured Relationship

The incident underscores the fractured relationship between the two neighbors. When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Pakistan was seen as a key influencer. However, the IEA’s refusal to rein in the TTP has led to a rapid deterioration in diplomatic ties. Pakistan’s decision to resort to airstrikes suggests a diminishing faith in behind-the-scenes negotiations to curb militant activity.

The Path Forward: Diplomacy or Further Conflict?

The international community now faces the challenge of preventing a wider regional conflict. Bennett’s call for a return to dialogue highlights the urgent need for a diplomatic solution. However, with the Taliban vowing retaliation and Pakistan signaling its willingness to use military force, the risk of a destructive cycle of violence is high.

Analysts warn that further strikes could destabilize the fragile security situation in the region and lead to a protracted, low-level conflict along the porous and volatile Durand Line, the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The immediate future hinges on whether diplomatic channels can be reopened to address Pakistan’s security concerns without further costing Afghan civilian lives.

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