ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan has summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul to deliver a strong protest against recent Pakistani military airstrikes in its eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan described the actions as a grave violation of Afghan airspace and territorial integrity.
Officials handed a formal letter of protest to the Pakistani envoy, condemning the bombing of what they called civilian areas.
The Afghan side accused Pakistan of targeting residential homes and a religious madrassa, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries.
Reports from Afghan sources indicated that women and children were among the victims, with local civil defense efforts underway to clear rubble and assist the wounded.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society in Nangarhar province reported at least 18 people killed and several others injured in the strikes.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the attacks martyred and wounded dozens of compatriots, including vulnerable groups.
The foreign ministry emphasized that safeguarding Afghanistan’s territory remains the legal and Sharia-based responsibility of the Islamic Emirate.
It warned Pakistan that any negative consequences arising from such provocative acts would be solely its responsibility.
This diplomatic move follows overnight airstrikes conducted by Pakistan’s military early on Sunday.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting described the operations as intelligence-based and selective.
Officials targeted seven terrorist camps and hideouts along the border, belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliates of Islamic State Khorasan Province.
Pakistan’s deputy interior minister Talal Chaudhry claimed that at least 70 militants were killed in the strikes.
Some Pakistani state media later raised the militant casualty figure to 80, though no independent verification was provided.
The strikes were presented as a direct response to a surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan.
These include a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad earlier this month, which killed 31 people and injured over 160.
Additional assaults in northwestern districts such as Bajaur and Bannu were also attributed to fighters operating from Afghan soil.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to curb TTP activities.
Islamabad maintains that conclusive evidence links recent violence to Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.
The TTP, a separate entity but closely allied with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, has intensified operations against Pakistani targets in recent years.
Pakistan insists its actions prioritize citizen safety while striving for regional peace.
However, the strikes have escalated long-standing border tensions between the two neighbors.
Cross-border incidents have persisted since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Previous Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces, including Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar, occurred in 2024 and 2025.
These operations often followed major attacks blamed on militants using Afghan territory as a base.
Afghanistan has consistently denied providing sanctuary to anti-Pakistan groups.
Kabul views such strikes as unwarranted aggression and breaches of sovereignty.
The latest incident threatens to undermine fragile understandings between the two sides.
Afghan officials have vowed an appropriate and calculated response to the violations.
This could heighten risks of further military exchanges along the porous Durand Line border.
The summons of the ambassador underscores Kabul’s intent to address the matter through formal diplomatic channels.
Yet the strong language in the protest statement signals deepening mistrust.
Regional observers note that civilian casualties in such operations often fuel resentment and complicate counter-terrorism cooperation.
International calls for restraint may emerge as the situation develops.
India has already condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, citing civilian losses.
The episode highlights the complex interplay of security concerns and sovereignty issues in the region.
Both sides face pressure to prevent escalation into broader conflict.
Pakistan maintains that its operations are defensive and evidence-driven.
Afghanistan insists on respect for its territorial integrity as a prerequisite for any dialogue.
The coming days will test whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the crisis.