Kabul, March 13 (NationPress) Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, has vehemently denounced the recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in regions including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, labeling them a serious breach of the principles of neighborly relations, human rights, and international law. These attacks have led to numerous civilian deaths.

He called upon the Pakistani authorities to put an end to their hostility, advocating for a more thoughtful and civil approach towards Afghanistan. “I strongly condemn the airstrikes on our capital and the provinces of Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, which have tragically claimed the lives of several of our citizens, including women and children. This is a blatant violation of fundamental principles of neighborliness, human values, and international laws,” Karzai expressed on X.

His remarks follow statements from Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who reported that Pakistan had executed new military operations across multiple Afghan provinces, resulting in civilian fatalities, particularly among women and children.

The airstrikes have escalated tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with the Taliban condemning these actions as infringements on Afghan sovereignty. “In a continuation of previous acts of aggression, the Pakistani military has once again attacked Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, targeting civilian residences and leading to the deaths of innocent people,” Mujahid stated on X.

He condemned the attacks, particularly noting the timing of these strikes during the last 10 days of Ramadan and just before Eid al-Fitr, calling it a reflection of the Pakistani military's disregard for humanitarian and moral principles. “The Islamic Emirate denounces these actions in the strongest terms, and we trust that this injustice will not go unanswered,” he asserted.

Mujahid also accused Pakistani military aircraft of igniting a fire at a fuel storage facility for Kam Air, a private airline near Kandahar International Airport, which provides fuel to both civilian and UN flights. “This incident follows a pattern of previous attacks that have devastated private traders' resources,” he added.

The current cycle of violence began on February 27 when Taliban-led Afghan forces initiated retaliatory actions against Pakistani military targets, responding to previous Pakistani strikes aimed at militants within Afghan territory on February 21. Following these events, Pakistan initiated 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) to counter what it described as unprovoked fire from Afghan forces.