Kabul, June 11 (IANS) United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday renewed its call for de-escalation and a durable ceasefire in the aftermath of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that killed 13 civilians, including women and children.
In a statement shared on X, the UN mission posted: “UNAMA documented 13 civilian deaths and 10 injuries, mainly children and women, from airstrikes carried out in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan on the night of 9-10 June. UNAMA reiterates its call for de-escalation, a durable ceasefire, protection of civilians, reopening of border crossings, particularly for humanitarian assistance, and dialogue to resolve differences,” it added.
Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad strongly condemned the Pakistani airstrikes, stating that such violence would not resolve the tensions between the two nations. He also described Islamabad’s current approach as a failure, while calling for serious diplomatic engagement.
“Pakistan has attacked Afghanistan again. According to media reports, many civilians, including children, were killed. I condemn this attack, as I have condemned previous attacks killing civilians. This kind of violence will not resolve the problem between the two countries: the allegations by Pakistan that Afghanistan provides sanctuary and support for TTP and the allegations by Afghanistan that Islamabad provides sanctuary and support for ISIS-K,” Khalizad posted on X.
“What is needed is a negotiated agreement in which the two sides commit to not allow their territory to be used by groups or individuals to threaten the security of the other, with monitoring by a trusted third party. Pakistan’s current policy is a failure. It is past time for serious negotiations and diplomacy,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires in Kabul to lodge a strong protest over the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and Pakistani airstrikes on residential homes that killed 13 civilians and injured several others.
Taking to the social media platform X, the Afghan Ministry said, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and presented him with its strong and resolute protest regarding the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and the bombing of the homes of innocent civilians.”
The Afghan Ministry condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of international principles and laws, while emphasising that defending its territory and ensuring the security of its people are its legitimate responsibilities.
–IANS
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