Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that war with Pakistan’s military regime has never been Afghanistan’s first choice, emphasizing that Afghan forces are solely defending their homeland against aggression.
kabul 24: Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on Tuesday, Fetrat remarked that it is still too early to decide on closing Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul.
He stressed the need for careful consideration before taking such a diplomatic step amid the ongoing border conflict.Fetrat detailed the impact of Pakistani attacks, claiming that the Pakistani military has martyred 110 Afghan civilians and injured 123 others, with the majority being women and children. He reported that airstrikes in provinces including Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Kabul, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Kandahar have partially or completely destroyed more than 350 homes.
These assaults, according to him, have displaced around 8,400 families, causing widespread humanitarian suffering.
He urged the United Nations and international human rights organizations to take immediate action to pressure Pakistan into halting attacks on Afghan civilians and residential areas.In the same press conference, Inayatullah Khwarizmi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, provided details on Afghanistan’s retaliatory operation named “Radd-ul-Zulm” (Rejection of Oppression).
He claimed that nearly 150 Pakistani soldiers have been killed and over 200 wounded since the start of the clashes. Khwarizmi added that during the ongoing six-day conflict, Afghan forces have destroyed 35 Pakistani security outposts.Regarding Afghan casualties, Khwarizmi confirmed that 28 Afghan soldiers have been martyred and 42 others injured in the fighting.
He asserted that Afghan forces possess the full capability to sustain and continue the defense operations for as long as necessary, but emphasized that the responsibility to end the conflict lies with Pakistan’s military regime, which must cease its aggression.
The statements reflect the Islamic Emirate’s position amid escalating border tensions that began in late February 2026, triggered by Pakistani airstrikes in response to alleged militant activities. Afghan officials have framed their actions as defensive and retaliatory, while calling for international intervention to protect civilians. Both sides have reported significant casualties and damage, with the conflict entering its second week as of early March, raising concerns over further escalation in the region.
The press conference underscores Kabul’s reluctance to sever remaining diplomatic channels, such as the Pakistani embassy, at this stage, despite strong rhetoric against Islamabad’s actions.
Afghan authorities continue to insist that their military response is proportionate and aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty.
