Tensions Rise as Pakistan Faces Accusations from Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – The Afghan government has accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes within its borders, resulting in the deaths of ten civilians, including nine children. These events signal a worrying turn in the relationship between the two countries.
According to Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Afghan government, the strikes occurred in the provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika. Mujahid stated the strikes were a violation of Afghan territory, but it is important to remember that Afghanistan has long been a place where groups hostile to Pakistan have found safe harbor.
Pakistan’s government has yet to respond to these specific claims. These accusations follow a recent attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, where terrorists targeted a government building.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the Peshawar attack, suspicion falls on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This group is closely tied to the Afghan Taliban, and many of its leaders are believed to be hiding in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has long asserted that the Afghan Taliban is failing to control groups such as TTP, that launch attacks into Pakistan from Afghan territory. Pakistan has been conducting operations against militants in its own territory, including a recent raid that resulted in the deaths of alleged “Indian-backed” fighters.
Past talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have failed to produce a lasting agreement. Pakistan has sought a written guarantee from Afghanistan that the TTP will not be allowed to operate within its borders.
The ongoing tensions have brought trade between the two countries to a standstill. Border crossings have been closed for weeks, disrupting the lives of ordinary people who depend on cross-border movement for trade and family connections.
