The Pakistani military has reportedly carried out fresh airstrikes on civilian areas in Afghanistan's Paktika, Paktia, and Kunar provinces, killing and injuring dozens of civilians, including women and children, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Monday, 29 June. The strikes, which Mujahid described as a 'cowardly act of aggression', hit the Gayan and Tsamkani districts of Paktika and Paktia, and the Manogai district of Kunar on Sunday night.

What the Taliban Said

In a post on social media platform X, Mujahid stated: 'Last night, the Pakistani military once again carried out airstrikes on civilian areas in Gayan District of Paktika Province, Tsamkani District of Paktia Province, and Manogai District of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children. We strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression and consider it a crime and an act of brutality.'

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Kabul to formally protest the violation of Afghan airspace and strikes on residential areas.

Khalilzad Condemns the Strikes

Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad sharply condemned the attack in a post on X, saying Pakistan had once again bypassed repeated international and domestic calls for negotiations in favour of military action. 'Ignoring the calls from around the world and from many Pakistanis for negotiations to resolve their differences with their neighbour, once again Pakistan has attacked Afghanistan, again killing and injuring many,' Khalilzad wrote.

Khalilzad further questioned Islamabad's intentions, posting: 'But now, in the face of the ongoing total lack of any constructive effort or response from Pakistan, I think it's time to ask: does Islamabad even want a settlement?' He raised the possibility that Pakistan's objectives may extend beyond its stated security concerns, asking whether the Pakistani establishment sought an unstable Afghanistan, or was 'being rewarded by China to create circumstances that make Afghanistan susceptible to increased Chinese influence.'

According to Khalilzad, if such objectives are driving Pakistan's approach, they would run counter to US interests — increased instability could expand safe havens for anti-US groups, particularly ISIS-K, while greater Chinese influence in Afghanistan poses a broader geopolitical challenge.

Pattern of Escalating Strikes

This latest incident is not isolated. Earlier in June 2025, Taliban spokesperson Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani strikes on Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces on the night of 9 June killed 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man, while 14 other women and children were injured. The Afghan foreign ministry summoned Pakistan's envoy in the aftermath of that attack as well.

The repeated strikes come amid a broader deterioration in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, marked by cross-border fire exchanges and mounting civilian casualties on the Afghan side. Critics argue that Pakistan has not meaningfully engaged with diplomatic proposals put forward by the Taliban government.

What Comes Next

With Kabul's diplomatic channels strained and international voices growing louder, pressure is building on Islamabad to clarify its objectives and engage in dialogue. Whether Pakistan responds to calls for negotiation — or continues its military posture — will shape stability across a region already burdened by displacement and humanitarian strain.