The issue of civilian targeting and airstrikes by the Pakistan military in Nangarhar and Paktika is set to be raised and discussed at the United Nations.
According to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the organization’s Deputy Political Chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, informed Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in a phone call that she would share the matter with member states of the United Nations. She also expressed concern over the targeting of civilians by the Pakistani military.
Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal said:
“In this phone conversation, the Foreign Minister stated that no militants were killed in these strikes, contrary to Pakistan’s claims. This proves the Pakistani allegations against Afghanistan to be baseless. The Foreign Minister further emphasized that there are no armed groups in Afghanistan and that all sides, including the diplomatic corps, can visit the sites of the recent airstrikes to assess the situation firsthand.”
The Ministry’s press release quoting DiCarlo added:
“Ms. DiCarlo expressed deep sorrow over the civilian casualties in the recent strikes and stated that the matter of the airstrikes will be raised with all UN member states and relevant parties.”
During the conversation, Minister Muttaqi also highlighted repeated concerns over civilian targeting in Pakistani strikes over the past four years. He stressed that the civilian casualties in these recent attacks disprove allegations of armed groups’ presence in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani military’s recent aggression has been strongly condemned both domestically and internationally, with many calling for accountability. Analysts say Pakistan’s strikes violate international norms and law, demanding investigation at the global level.
Political analyst Akhtar Mohammad Rasikh stated:
“If Pakistan’s unlawful attacks are investigated by international organizations, the outcome would favor Afghans and harm Pakistan. Pakistan serves as a hub for terrorism and has signed contracts with Western countries to destabilize the region.”
On February 21–22, 2026, the Pakistani military conducted airstrikes in the Behsud, Ghani Khel, and Khogyani districts, as well as Barmal and Argun, targeting civilian homes and a religious madrassa. The attacks resulted in approximately 30 people, including women and children, being killed or injured.
