Pakistan’s Ambassador Summoned in Kabul Following Airstrikes on Nangarhar and Paktika

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Taliban administration has summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul and delivered a formal note of protest following recent airstrikes on Nangarhar Province and Paktika Province.

Isteqamat Press – the Taliban Foreign Ministry described the strikes as a “clear violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and territorial integrity” and a “provocative act.” The ministry stressed that safeguarding the country’s borders and airspace is a religious and sovereign responsibility of the government.

The ministry warned that the consequences of such actions would rest with the Pakistani side.

While strongly condemning what it described as the bombing of civilians, the Taliban administration pledged an “appropriate and calculated” response. Pakistan has claimed the strikes were targeted operations against hideouts of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The move came in response to Saturday night’s (February 21) airstrikes by the Pakistani military on areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, which Taliban officials say killed and wounded dozens of civilians, including women and children.