Taliban Envoy Stresses Dialogue to Resolve Tensions with Pakistan Amid Civilian Casualties
The Taliban administration’s ambassador in Islamabad has stated that Kabul’s policy towards Pakistan is focused on resolving tensions and disputes through dialogue and understanding. These remarks come as recent Pakistani airstrikes on several eastern Afghan provinces have resulted in heavy casualties and sparked widespread concern among residents.
Sardar Ahmad Shakib, the Taliban envoy to Pakistan, told the media that the problems arising between the two sides are detrimental to both countries and that ongoing tensions affect bilateral relations and the lives of citizens. He emphasized that the Taliban administration’s approach is based on dialogue and believes that disputes can only be resolved through this path.
Meanwhile, Taliban officials have reported that in recent Pakistani airstrikes on the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar, 36 civilians—including women and children—have been killed, and 163 others wounded. They claim these attacks targeted residential areas.
In contrast, the Pakistani military asserts that these operations targeted positions of “Jamaat al-Ahrar,” resulting in the deaths of 29 militants. Pakistani officials have not commented on civilian casualties.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released a statement noting that based on initial findings, at least 28 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 49 others injured in the airstrikes. UNAMA added that this figure is not final and that the number of casualties may rise as treatment continues at healthcare facilities.
The ongoing discrepancies in casualty figures and the lack of a transparent, joint mechanism to investigate the incidents have heightened concerns over civilian protection. Under these circumstances, it is expected that alongside emphasizing dialogue, the Taliban administration will also take practical and accountable measures to ensure the safety of border area residents and pursue justice for the victims.
