Kabul, March 30 (NationPress) The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) has urged Pakistani military units to halt their bombardment of civilian regions in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to adhere to international law. Labeling such assaults on residential zones as "war crimes", the IHRF has called upon the United Nations and global human rights bodies to scrutinize these breaches and take action against the perpetrators.

According to reports cited by the IHRF, Pakistani forces have unleashed artillery strikes and indiscriminate mortar fire into civilian areas across various Afghan provinces, including Paktika, Khost, and Kunar, resulting in the targeting of non-combatants.

In a statement shared on X, the IHRF noted, "Reports indicate that Pakistani forces have been targeting civilian-populated regions near the disputed Durand Line, particularly in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar. These assaults have directly impacted civilians and their residences. So far, at least 17 individuals, including women and children, have suffered injuries due to these attacks. The use of heavy weaponry has forced many families to flee, raising alarms about a potential humanitarian crisis in the area."

The statement further asserted, "The psychological and material harm caused by the bombardment of homes and agricultural lands has inflicted significant economic distress on local communities, instilling widespread fear. According to international human rights and humanitarian law, especially the Four Geneva Conventions, conflicting parties must distinguish between military and civilian targets. Indiscriminate attacks that jeopardize civilian lives are unequivocally classified as war crimes. We call upon Pakistani forces to immediately cease fire on civilian zones and to comply with international law. We urge the United Nations and international human rights organizations to investigate these violations and to ensure accountability for those responsible."

The IHRF has also appealed to humanitarian agencies to provide essential support to families displaced by the conflict or those suffering injuries. It emphasized the necessity of protecting innocent lives, particularly women, during conflict situations and deemed the protection of human dignity and adherence to human rights principles as fundamental in all circumstances.

In related news, local Afghan officials reported that one individual was killed and 16 others injured following rocket and heavy artillery assaults by Pakistani forces on residential areas in Kunar province.

The shelling occurred near Asadabad and affected nearby homes, igniting concerns about a potential escalation of border tensions.

Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that the strikes targeting civilian residences took place around 5 p.m. (local time) on Sunday. Injured individuals were promptly transported to hospitals for medical attention, according to Afghanistan's leading news agency, Khaama Press. He accused Pakistan of conducting artillery fire in residential areas adjacent to the border.

The most recent attack follows renewed clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border after a short-lived Eid ceasefire. Islamabad claims its military operations are aimed at militants exploiting Afghanistan to launch strikes within Pakistan, a claim that the Taliban has categorically denied.

Recently, tensions have heightened between Afghanistan and Pakistan due to airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and mutual accusations.