Pakistan launched a series of airstrikes across the Afghan border on Tuesday, killing at least 28 civilians, according to Afghan officials. The strikes, which targeted villages in Khost and Kunar provinces, drew immediate condemnation from Kabul and prompted the United Kingdom to call for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Foreign Office in London described the attacks as a “gross violation of Afghan sovereignty” and urged both sides to exercise restraint. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that British diplomats are lobbying for a UN resolution that would demand an immediate ceasefire and an independent investigation into the civilian deaths.
Pakistan’s military has defended the operation, stating that it was aimed at militant hideouts believed to harbour fighters responsible for recent attacks on Pakistani soil. A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that “multiple terrorist sanctuaries” were destroyed and that “precise intelligence-based strikes” had been conducted. The ISPR did not comment on the civilian casualty figures, which were compiled by Afghan provincial health officials.
The dead include women and children, according to tribal elders in the affected regions. Hospitals in Khost reported receiving 18 bodies, while medical facilities in Kunar reported 10. The true number may be higher, as some remote areas remain inaccessible.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul to deliver a formal protest. In a statement, the ministry warned that “such aggressive actions will only deepen the cycle of violence” and called on Islamabad to respect international borders.
The UK’s intervention is significant, given its role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. London has previously voiced concerns over cross-border tensions between the two countries, but this marks the first time it has sought an emergency session over the issue. British officials view the airstrikes as a destabilising factor in an already volatile region, with potential spillover effects for NATO forces still present in Afghanistan.
The unfolding crisis comes at a time of strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of providing safe haven to Taliban factions, a charge Pakistan denies. Conversely, Pakistan claims that Afghan soil is used by militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to launch attacks inside its territory.
International reaction has been swift. The United States expressed “deep concern” over the loss of civilian life and urged both countries to engage in dialogue. The European Union called for “maximum restraint” and offered to facilitate negotiations.
As of Wednesday morning, there were no signs of retaliation by Afghan forces. However, the Afghan defence ministry has put troops along the border on high alert. The UN Security Council is expected to convene within 48 hours, with the UK proposing a resolution that would condemn the strikes, call for a cessation of hostilities, and mandate a fact-finding mission.
The death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Reports from the ground indicate that several homes were flattened and that survivors are digging through rubble with their bare hands.
