Reactions from ordinary Pakistan citizens regarding recent airstrikes by the Pakistani military in and indicate that, alongside some political parties, the country’s general public considers their government’s stance toward to be wrong.
While recent strikes have provoked Afghan civilians and called for a strong response from the Islamic Emirate, some Pakistanis have also described these attacks as brutal on social media.
In an interview shared online, one Pakistani citizen said:
“My heart breaks. Seventeen members of my family were killed, including women, children, and elders. They celebrated here; they are enemies of humanity, celebrating the deaths of children and women. Even in Tirah, they enjoy killing people in attacks.”
Another Pakistani stated:“They call themselves an Islamic army, but look—they killed innocent children in Afghanistan. This is not an Islamic army but like Israel’s army, killing their own people too.”
The Pakistani military carried out late-night airstrikes on Saturday in Nangarhar and Paktika, killing 18 members of a single family, including women and children, and injuring seven others in the Behsud district of Nangarhar.
The Afghan Ministry of Defense said these attacks, like previous ones, will not go unanswered and promised a measured response at the appropriate time.
Some Pakistanis also rejected their government’s claim that militants are coming from Afghanistan, saying that terrorists are already present inside Pakistan.
Many citizens advised their government that if it wants peace in Pakistan, it must change its policies.
Trending News reported citizens saying:
“If they want to ensure peace in Pakistan, they must first remove the chains of American subservience, conduct independent foreign policy, and maintain good relations with Iran and Afghanistan.”
Social media reactions from ordinary Pakistanis suggest that, despite extensive government propaganda, the public is increasingly aware of their government’s flawed policies and stance.
Analysts note that these reactions indicate ordinary Pakistanis oppose their government’s policy toward Afghanistan and want lasting positive relations between the two countries.
