Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated on Friday after Kabul alleged that Pakistani drones carried out strikes in Nangarhar and Khost provinces, killing at least three people and wounding seven. The Taliban government handed a formal protest note to Pakistan’s envoy in Kabul, a move confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Islamabad, however, has not confirmed any involvement.
Afghan Claims and Civilian Casualties
Afghan officials reported that the strikes hit two homes late Wednesday. In Khost’s Spera district, near the Pakistan border, three children were killed and several others injured when drones struck the residence of Hajji Naeem Khan. AFP images showed villagers gathered outside a destroyed house in Lahori village.
In Nangarhar’s Shinwar district, four sons and two wives of a man named Shahsawar were among those injured when his house was reduced to rubble.
The Taliban foreign ministry said in a statement: “It strongly condemns the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and the bombing of civilians … such irresponsible actions will inevitably have consequences.”
Pakistan’s Response
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Kabul had issued a demarche.
“I’m still going through the system, but they handed our ambassador a letter, which is called a demarche,” Dar said. “This needs investigation, to look into the situation and why it is happening … right now, it’s too early to say anything.”
Dar did not confirm or deny Pakistan’s involvement in the strikes but stressed that Islamabad’s only demand from Kabul remains consistent: to act against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and prevent cross-border militant activity.
“We asked them, ‘ Please take these people away from our borders or hand them over to us, whatever you choose, ’” Dar said.
History of Cross-Border Tensions
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been marred by repeated accusations. Islamabad has long insisted that militants find sanctuary across the border and has previously carried out cross-border operations.
In December last year, Pakistan conducted strikes in Paktika province, targeting alleged TTP hideouts. Earlier this year, Pakistani forces claimed to have foiled infiltration attempts, killing dozens of militants trying to cross into North Waziristan and Balochistan’s Zhob district.
Despite tensions, Dar highlighted ongoing cooperation, citing his recent meeting with Acting Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi, and reaffirmed the importance of projects like the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway and extending CPEC to Afghanistan.
A Fragile Bilateral Equation
The strikes come just a week after Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan pledged to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation and expand trade during a trilateral dialogue in Kabul. However, the new allegations risk complicating these efforts.
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