Afghanistan’s UN Envoy Condemns Pakistan Airstrikes as Violation of Sovereignty
Nasir Ahmad Faiz, Acting Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, has condemned airstrikes by Pakistan on the Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar, describing them as a serious violation of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity. He emphasized that the Afghan people should not become victims of tensions between the Taliban administration and Pakistan. On Monday night (28 June), Faiz issued a statement asserting that no security concerns can justify military operations that result in civilian casualties or infringe upon a country’s sovereignty. According to him, the protection of civilians must always be a priority. Initial figures from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report that at least 28 civilians have been killed and 49 others, including women and children, injured as a result of these strikes. These numbers have heightened concerns about rising civilian casualties amid escalating border tensions. The Afghan envoy highlighted the country’s security situation, stating that the Taliban administration’s policies have caused widespread suffering among citizens and bear direct responsibility for turning Afghanistan into a safe haven for terrorist groups. Nevertheless, he stressed that these realities can never justify unilateral military actions that endanger civilian lives. Faiz added that the attacks contravene international law principles, particularly the United Nations Charter, and that the fight against terrorism must be conducted strictly within the framework of international law and the UN’s global counterterrorism strategy. He called on Pakistan to immediately cease all military operations on Afghan territory and urged the international community to take urgent and effective measures to prevent further escalation and ensure civilian protection in Afghanistan.
