Bennett calls for immediate de-escalation of Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Richard Bennett posted a message on X on Friday, emphasizing the protection of civilians and urging respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

He said: “Once again, I call for calm and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly the protection of civilians, amid the current tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have unfortunately escalated into violence. Immediate de-escalation is essential.”

The call comes after Pakistani military airstrikes last Saturday night targeted 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 response, Islamic Emirate forces launched retaliatory strikes Thursday night across the Durand Line near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan, targeting Pakistani military posts.

According to the Afghan Ministry of National Defense, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, two bases and 19 posts were captured, and soldiers fled from four additional posts.

Eight Afghan Mujahideen were martyred and 11 injured, while a Pakistani rocket attack on a refugee camp in Nangarhar injured 13 civilians, including women and children.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said Pakistani forces bombed areas in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, but reported no casualties.

sa