Hamid Karzai condemns Pakistani airstrikes on Nangarhar and Paktika calling clear violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty

KABUL: Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned recent Pakistani airstrikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, calling the attacks a clear violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He urged Pakistan to reconsider its policies and pursue peaceful, cooperative neighborly relations. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that Pakistani forces targeted several residential homes and a religious school during overnight airstrikes, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children. The ministry described the strikes as a blatant violation of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and international law, warning that a measured and appropriate response will be delivered. Pakistan stated that the airstrikes were aimed at militant camps and hideouts along the border in retaliation for recent attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu. The Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility for one of the deadly incidents. Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the strikes and immediate support for affected families, highlighting concerns over the growing civilian toll in eastern Afghanistan.