Afghan politicians slam Pakistani strikes, stress national unity

KABUL (Pajhwok): Several Afghan politicians have strongly condemned Pakistan’s military attacks on Afghan territory, saying Islamabad cannot resolve the problems it has created through violence and that Afghans will defend their country with full unity under any circumstances.

Last Saturday night, Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes on a seminary in Paktika province and a residential house in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province. Seventeen family members, including women and children, were martyred in the Bihsud attack, and several others were injured.

In retaliation, Islamic Emirate forces launched strikes Thursday night across areas beyond the Durand Line, targeting Pakistani military posts.

According to the Afghan Ministry of Defense, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and Afghan forces captured two bases and 19 posts.

The ministry added that eight Afghan Mujahideen were martyred, 11 injured, and 13 civilians—including women and children—were wounded in a Pakistani rocket attack on a refugee camp in Nangarhar.

Zabihullah Mujahid, IEA chief spokesperson, said Pakistani forces bombed areas in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, but there were no casualties.

Hamid Karzai, former Afghan president, emphasized that Afghans will defend their country unitedly and respond courageously, noting that Pakistan cannot resolve its problems through bombings and violence.

Abdul Salam Zaeef, former Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, criticized Islamabad’s policies, calling on Pakistani leaders and scholars to curb “unwarranted pride” and prevent “selfish and opportunistic” military actions that destabilize the region.

Ziaul Haq Amarkhail, advisor to the former president, noted Pakistan has waged an undeclared war against Afghanistan for 40 years, and while war is not a solution, Afghan defense and retaliation are necessary.

Fazl Hadi Muslimyar, former Meshrano Jirga chairman, condemned the attacks, calling on the international community and the UN Security Council to hold Pakistan accountable.

He said: “Such attacks violate Afghanistan’s airspace. Afghanistan is independent, and no one can threaten its sovereignty.”

Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, former Iranian diplomat, described the clashes as “deeply regrettable” and prayed for an end to hostilities and peace for all Muslims.

The calls for restraint come alongside appeals from the UN Secretary-General, the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, and Iran’s Foreign Minister for an immediate reduction of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

sa