The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) on Monday, 29 June raised serious alarm over overnight Pakistani military airstrikes that struck civilian areas across Afghanistan's Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces, killing at least 36 civilians — including women and children — and injuring 163 others. The organisation called for an immediate independent investigation, warning the strikes may constitute grave violations of international law.

What the Strikes Destroyed

Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed that the Pakistani military carried out the airstrikes on Sunday night, targeting Gayan District of Paktika Province, Tsamkani District of Paktia Province, and Manogai District of Kunar Province. According to Fitrat, three residential houses were completely destroyed in the attacks. The casualty figures — 36 dead and 163 wounded — were attributed to the Taliban administration.

Rights Body Flags IHL Violations

The IHRF stated that the 'reported strikes on civilian dwellings and the alleged subsequent targeting of rescue personnel raise grave concerns under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.' The organisation further warned that 'the deliberate or indiscriminate attack on civilians and humanitarian responders may constitute serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.'

The IHRF demanded that Pakistan immediately and transparently clarify the legal basis and targeting protocols governing the military operations, cooperate with independent investigations into alleged unlawful civilian casualties, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities. It also urged the United Nations and relevant human rights mechanisms to rigorously monitor developments, document all incidents, and support fact-finding missions.

Karzai and Taliban Condemn the Strikes

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the airstrikes, describing them as a violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty and contrary to international norms. In a post on X, Karzai offered condolences to the families of the killed and wished speedy recovery to the injured. He reiterated that 'Pakistan's best interest lies in abandoning its policy of belligerence and dual approach to extremism and engaging with Afghanistan on the basis of neighbourly principles and civilised relations.'

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had earlier condemned the strikes, calling them a 'cowardly act of aggression' and a 'crime and an act of brutality.' Mujahid said the attacks targeted civilian areas and resulted in 'the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children.'

Broader Context and What Comes Next

This is not the first time Pakistan has conducted cross-border strikes into Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Islamabad has previously cited militant sanctuaries — particularly those of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — as justification for operations along the porous Durand Line. The Taliban administration, however, consistently denies providing shelter to anti-Pakistan groups. The latest strikes risk further destabilising an already fraught bilateral relationship, with the international community now being called upon to intervene diplomatically and ensure accountability.