Taliban Warns Pakistan After Airstrikes on Eastern Afghan Provinces
Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, responded to the Pakistan military’s airstrikes on three eastern provinces of Afghanistan, stating that Kabul does not seek war with Islamabad but will not leave these attacks unanswered. He emphasized that if such actions continue, the opposing side will face a reaction.
In an interview with Shamshad TV, Mujahid said, “If we cannot respond by air, we can respond by land.” He also added that Afghanistan may in the future develop the capability to counter airstrikes. These remarks come amid increasing verbal tensions between the two sides in recent days.
The Taliban spokesperson, referring to the military experiences of the former Soviet Union and the United States in Afghanistan, said that every country that has invaded this land has ultimately regretted it, and Pakistan is no stronger than those countries. Such statements in the current sensitive conditions raise concerns about the possible escalation of conflicts along the border.
He also dismissed Pakistani officials’ claims of an Afghan citizen’s involvement in an attack on military personnel in Karachi as “illogical,” noting that after each security incident in Karachi and other Pakistani cities, the Taliban are immediately blamed.
Mujahid stressed that Islamabad should focus on securing its own cities rather than accusing others. He also rejected Pakistan’s repeated allegations that Afghanistan provides sanctuary to members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), stating that combating this group is Pakistan’s own responsibility.
While both sides accuse each other of insecurity, observers believe that continued tensions could further destabilize the security and economic conditions of border residents, underscoring the need for a responsible approach based on dialogue.
