Khalilzad condemns Pakistan’s fresh strikes on Afghan soil

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has condemned recent airstrikes carried out by Pakistan’s military regime on Afghan territory, saying that targeting civilians cannot resolve tensions between the two countries.

Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said the Pakistani forces bombed the house of a local resident, Waliat Khan, son of Qazi Mir, in the Gurbaz district of southeastern Khost province on Monday night.

“As a result, nine children — five boys and four girls — and one woman were martyred, and his house was destroyed,” Mujahid stated.

He added that additional airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces wounded at least four civilians.

Reacting to the attacks, Khalilzad wrote on X that killing civilians and risking a broader conflict would not address the underlying issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Patient and realistic diplomacy is a much better option,” he emphasized, while condemning the strikes and offering condolences to the families of the victims.

Khalilzad noted reports that a senior Turkish delegation is expected to visit Islamabad and possibly Kabul to push for an agreement aimed at preventing the use of either country’s territory by groups or individuals threatening the other’s security.

The proposal may include the establishment of an operational or monitoring center, potentially based in Ankara and staffed by officials from Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

“This centre could not only monitor but also help resolve problems when allegations or reports of violations arise,” he said.

The former US envoy welcomed the initiative and urged both Afghanistan and Pakistan to engage constructively with the process.

kk/sa