Recent bombings by Pakistan’s military in Afghanistan have been justified by the country’s foreign ministry, which claims that the actions were taken to protect its residents. Targeting suspected terrorists connected to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, the airstrikes were described as intelligence-based operations that occurred in the province of Paktika. The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stressed that the operations were required because terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory continued to constitute a threat.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has strongly reacted to the airstrikes, denouncing them as violations of their sovereignty and accusing Pakistan of killing civilians, including refugees. At least 46 people are said to have died as a result of the strikes, many of whom were women and children.
Amid growing tensions along their shared border, the Afghan Ministry of Defense has warned that such activities could result in reprisal, underscoring the deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to safeguarding its people, adding that all military actions are founded on reliable intelligence and are carried out with due attention for civilian safety. Given that Pakistan is dealing with a rise in militant attacks since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the scenario is indicative of larger regional security issues.
