Afghanistan summons Pakistan envoy after airstrikes kill 13 civilians

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs have 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.

This move came after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed on Wednesday that the attack in Afghanistan's Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces on the night of June 9 killed 11 children, one woman and an elderly man, while 14 other women and children were injured.

In a statement shared on 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 emphasizing that defending its territory and ensuring the security of its people are its legitimate responsibilities.

It warned that instead of implementing proxy policies, Pakistanis must find solutions to their internal problems, questioning, "How is it possible that the killing of children and women in one region means the establishment of security in another region?"

"We once again explicitly remind you that the responsibility for all the consequences of these repeated violations and crimes will lie with the Pakistan Army," the Afghan Ministry stated.

This latest incident comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past few months, with repeated exchanges of fire and growing concerns over civilian casualties.

The two nations have accused each other of contributing to instability, while diplomatic and local mediation efforts have remained futile in stopping further escalation.

Following the attack, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai sharply criticised Pakistan for violating Afghanistan's airspace and carrying out airstrikes killing several civilians, including women and children.

He stated that Islamabad must acknowledge its hostile actions in the region and abandon its policy of "war and destruction”.

Expressing grief and solidarity with the affected families, Karzai took to the social media platform X and posted: "Pakistan is grappling with the consequences of its ill-considered policies and hostile actions in the region, and it must realise that it will not achieve its goals by persisting with and pursuing those policies. Pakistan's best interest lies in abandoning its policy of war and destruction towards Afghanistan and instead choosing good neighbourliness and civilised relations."