Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan trigger diplomatic protests

Pakistan's military carried out airstrikes on Sunday night in the eastern Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. According to Afghan officials, the attacks hit residential areas, killing at least 36 civilians, including women and children, and wounding 163 others.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty and international law, expressing condolences to the victims' families and urging Pakistan to abandon provocative policies. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan's chargé d’affaires in Kabul and lodged a strong protest, describing the raids as a breach of humanitarian law and a setback to regional security and neighbourly relations.