The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described remarks by Richard Lindsay, the UK Special Envoy for Afghanistan, regarding the Kunar attack as “unwarranted” and “one-sided,” and has called for a better understanding of Islamabad’s position.
Lindsay had expressed concern over the escalation of violence along the Durand Line, including the attack in Kunar, and said that all necessary measures must be taken to protect civilians and prevent further escalation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi claimed that attacks and “infiltration attempts from Afghanistan” are continuing.
He added that since the ceasefire during the Eid period, 52 civilians have been killed in “indiscriminate and unprovoked attacks” by the Taliban and its “proxy terrorist activities” in Pakistan, while 84 others have been injured.
Andrabi said Pakistan has responded to Taliban movements and has “precisely targeted” the group’s positions as well as what he called “terrorism-support infrastructure.” He added that Pakistani forces have also foiled several infiltration attempts from Afghanistan.
UNAMA has reported that in the April 27 attack in Kunar province, which the Taliban says was carried out by Pakistan, dozens of people were killed and injured.
Andrabi reiterated that “Afghanistan’s claims regarding civilian casualties from Pakistan’s responses are not supported by credible evidence.”
He said: “We call for a better understanding of regional dynamics, Pakistan’s principled stance, and the unparalleled sacrifices of the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.”
This is not the first time Pakistan has denied responsibility for strikes on civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan. Previously, the Pakistani military targeted a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which, according to humanitarian organizations and Taliban reports, resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties.
