Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on border areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan have sparked strong reactions from political figures, former military officials, and Afghan authorities.
Kabul 24: The strikes, carried out in the early hours of Sunday (February 22, 2026), reportedly targeted residential zones, civilian homes, and even a religious seminary in districts such as Barmal, Gayan, Khogyani, and Behsud.
Local sources report at least 17–18 civilians killed, including 11 children, with several others injured. Pakistani military officials described the operation as a “precise, intelligence-based response” targeting seven hideouts allegedly used by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), claiming the action was retaliation for a recent surge of suicide attacks inside Pakistan.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a “flagrant violation of Afghanistan’s national sovereignty.” In a public statement, he urged Islamabad to fundamentally review its policy toward Afghanistan and choose the path of good-neighborly relations, mutual respect, and civilized conduct instead of hostile measures. Karzai warned that continued aggression would harm regional stability and only worsen Pakistan’s own internal security challenges.
Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nasir Ahmad Faiq, issued an official statement describing the attacks as a clear breach of the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law.
He demanded an immediate halt to such operations and stressed that the Afghan people—who have already endured decades of war, heavy sacrifices, and devastation—should not bear the consequences of others’ failure to combat terrorism in a responsible, principled, and non-discriminatory manner. Faiq added that these actions only prolong the cycle of violence and jeopardize lasting peace in the region.
Afghan authorities also responded sharply. A senior government spokesperson stated that “certain circles within Pakistan’s military have once again committed aggression against Afghan soil,” accusing Pakistani generals of resorting to such acts to cover up their domestic security failures. The Ministry of Defense labeled the strikes a violation of national sovereignty, international law, and Islamic values, vowing that “an appropriate and measured response will be given at the right time.” Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul was summoned and handed a strong protest note.
The incident has dramatically escalated border tensions between the two countries and raised fears of further escalation. Analysts warn that without direct dialogue and genuine bilateral cooperation against shared terrorist threats, similar strikes could recur, further undermining the fragile stability of the region.
