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Afghanistan Summons Pakistani Envoy Over Cross-Border Strikes

Afghanistan summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires to protest cross-border strikes along the Durand Line. The Afghan Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on civilian targets in Kunar province as a violation of airspace and territorial integrity. Afghanistan rejected Pakistan's claims that violence originated from Afghan territory, calling for a thorough investigation. UNAMA reported tens of civilians killed or injured, urging protection of civilians under international law.

Key Points: Afghanistan Protests Cross-Border Strikes Along Durand Line

  • Afghanistan summoned Pakistani envoy over cross-border strikes
  • Strikes hit civilian targets near a university in Kunar province
  • Afghanistan rejects Pakistan's claims of violence originating from Afghan soil
  • UNAMA reports tens of civilians killed or injured in the attacks
3 min read

Afghanistan summons Pakistani envoy, lodges protest over cross-border strikes along Durand Line

Afghanistan summons Pakistani envoy, protests cross-border strikes in Kunar, citing violations of airspace and territorial integrity. UNAMA reports civilian casualties.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically rejects Pakistan's claims that the violence was initiated from the Afghan side - Afghan Foreign Ministry"

Kabul, April 28

Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and issued a formal protest over the cross-border strikes along the Durand Line.

According to an official statement posted on X, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said it handed over a protest letter condemning attacks by Pakistani forces on civilian targets and public infrastructure in areas near the university in central Kunar province.

Describing the incidents as a violation of Afghanistan's airspace and territorial integrity, the ministry strongly condemned the strikes and termed them "contrary to international principles" and a "provocative act".

The Islamic Emirate also rejected Pakistan's assertion that the violence originated from Afghan territory, stating that the matter required a thorough investigation to determine the facts on the ground.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the violation of Afghanistan's airspace and the attacks against civilians, considering them a clear violation of the country's territorial integrity, contrary to international principles, and a provocative act. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically rejects Pakistan's claims that the violence was initiated from the Afghan side and emphasises that the roots of the situation must be carefully investigated," the statement read.

Reiterating its position, the ministry said Afghanistan reserves the "legitimate right to defend its soil and people" and urged Pakistan to refrain from such actions. It also warned that continued "irresponsible actions" could lead to undesirable consequences.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again stresses that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reserves its legitimate right to defend its soil and people, calls on the Pakistani side to refrain from such actions, and reminds them that the continuation of such irresponsible actions will have undesirable consequences," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has stated that "tens of civilians" were killed or injured in strikes carried out on Monday afternoon in areas of Asadabad in eastern Afghanistan, including a university.

In a statement, UNAMA expressed concern over the reported attacks and stressed that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure, including educational facilities, must be protected at all times.

"UNAMA has documented tens of civilians killed or injured yesterday afternoon in strikes on areas of Asadabad, eastern Afghanistan, including a university," the mission stated in a post on X.

The UN body extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished a swift recovery to those injured in the incident.

"Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian sites, including educational facilities, must be protected at all times. We extend our condolences to the families of those killed and wish a swift recovery to those injured," the statement added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Incredibly sad that a university got hit. These attacks on educational institutions just show that those in power care little about the future of young Afghans. Also, the Durand Line nonsense has been going on for over 100 years - seems both sides need to sit down without guns and just talk properly. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya S
Another day, another border incident. The UN statement is good but words alone won't help those tens of civilians killed or injured. Pakistan needs to understand that such actions harm its own credibility more than anything. Afghanistan has every right to defend itself. But both countries should involve India as a mediator, honestly! 😕
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Rohit L
As an Indian, watching this unfold is concerning. If Pakistan is carrying out strikes on civilian areas, it's a violation of all norms. But let's not forget the ground reality - the Taliban-run Afghanistan also has its own issues. At the end of the day, innocent lives are being lost, which is the biggest tragedy. I hope some sense prevails.
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James A
Reading this from India, it feels like deja vu. The same old cross-border accusations. The fact that a university was hit suggests either complete lack of targeting discipline or deliberate provocation. The international community needs to act more decisively - especially the UN and countries like India who have influence in the region.
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Aditya G
Honestly, the Durand Line is a colonial remnant that should have been resolved decades ago. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan keep using it as a reason for conflict while ordinary people suffer. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue. This strikes me as another example

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