New Delhi, January 6, 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in the death of 46 Afghan civilians, including women and children, in the Paktika province. The strikes, which have sparked outrage across the region, were met with firm disapproval from Indian officials, who accused Pakistan of shifting blame for its internal issues onto neighbouring countries.
In an official statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed grave concern over the attacks. “We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost. We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.
Jaiswal further criticised Pakistan, stating, “It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard.” His remarks reflect India’s ongoing concerns about Pakistan’s handling of its security challenges and its repeated attempts to divert attention from domestic issues by blaming other countries.
Details of the Airstrikes
The Pakistani airstrikes targeted the Barmal district in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on the night of December 24, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 46 individuals. According to local reports, the strikes caused widespread devastation, with seven villages affected. The village of Laman was hit particularly hard, losing five members of a single family. Witnesses described scenes of destruction, with homes reduced to rubble and families mourning their loved ones.
Taliban government spokespersons confirmed the casualties and condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. “The repeated violations by Pakistan have serious consequences for regional peace and stability,” an Afghan official stated. The spokesperson emphasized that the Afghan government is committed to protecting its citizens and will not tolerate such acts of aggression from neighbouring countries.
Escalation of Border Tensions
Following the airstrikes, tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have significantly escalated. Protests erupted in the border region, with hundreds of Afghans rallying against the Pakistani military’s actions. Demonstrators condemned the attacks and demanded accountability from the Pakistani government, chanting slogans against Islamabad’s interference in Afghan affairs.
Amid the heightened tensions, cross-border clashes were reported between Afghan and Pakistani forces. A Pakistani paramilitary soldier was killed, and seven others were injured during exchanges of fire along the boundary separating Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Afghanistan’s Khost province. Security officials from both sides confirmed the use of heavy weaponry in the clashes, which further exacerbated the already fragile situation.
According to reports, Afghan forces have increased their border patrols and reinforced security measures to prevent further incursions. The Pakistani military, on the other hand, has justified its actions by claiming that the airstrikes targeted terrorist hideouts. However, Afghan officials and local residents have dismissed these claims, stating that the attacks primarily impacted civilian areas.
India’s Stance on Regional Stability
India has consistently advocated for peace and stability in the region and has maintained diplomatic engagements with Afghanistan. New Delhi has expressed concern over the increasing violence in Afghanistan and the potential repercussions for regional security. Indian officials have reiterated their support for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty.
Indian analysts have highlighted that Pakistan’s actions undermine regional peace efforts. Former diplomat Vivek Katju commented, “Pakistan’s approach towards Afghanistan has been problematic for decades. These airstrikes further expose Islamabad’s inability to manage its own security issues without resorting to cross-border aggression. Such actions jeopardize peace efforts and contribute to instability in the region.”
India’s condemnation of the airstrikes aligns with its broader policy of promoting regional cooperation and opposing acts of violence that harm civilians. New Delhi has called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions and to support efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Response
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has condemned Pakistan’s actions and called for an immediate cessation of such attacks. In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, “The government of Afghanistan strongly condemns the Pakistani military’s unjustified aggression. We urge the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for these atrocities.”
Afghanistan has also reached out to international bodies, including the United Nations, to raise concerns about the ongoing violations of its airspace and the loss of civilian lives. The Taliban government has warned that continued aggression from Pakistan could lead to a deterioration of bilateral relations and further destabilize the region.
International Reactions
The international community has taken note of the airstrikes and the subsequent border clashes. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) issued a statement expressing concern over the civilian casualties. “The loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children, is unacceptable. All parties must exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilians,” UNAMA’s statement read.
Several human rights organizations have also condemned the attacks, urging Pakistan to adhere to international humanitarian law. Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for an independent investigation into the incident. “The airstrikes on civilian areas in Afghanistan are a serious violation of human rights. The perpetrators must be held accountable,” HRW’s Asia Director Patricia Gossman stated.
International analysts have expressed concerns over the potential implications of the border tensions on regional security. Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Asia Program at the Wilson Center, remarked, “The border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are not new, but the recent escalation is particularly concerning. Both countries need to engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and ensure regional stability.”
Background of Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations
Afghanistan and Pakistan have a long history of strained relations, primarily due to border disputes and mutual accusations of supporting terrorism. The Durand Line, a 2,670-kilometer border drawn by British colonialists in 1893, remains a contentious issue between the two countries. Afghanistan has never formally recognized the Durand Line as an international border, leading to frequent disputes and clashes.
Pakistan has often accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who carry out attacks on Pakistani soil, while Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and other insurgent groups. These mutual accusations have contributed to the ongoing instability in the region.
The recent airstrikes have further strained relations between the two countries, with Afghan officials accusing Pakistan of violating its sovereignty and targeting civilians. The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging blame for the escalation.
India’s condemnation of Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan reflects New Delhi’s commitment to regional peace and stability. The MEA’s strong statement underscores India’s concern over Pakistan’s recurring pattern of blaming neighbours for its internal problems. As tensions continue to rise along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the international community will be closely watching the developments and urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue.
The incident highlights the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to address security concerns and promote peace in the region. India’s call for accountability and Pakistan’s response to international criticism will play a crucial role in shaping the future of regional relations.
References:
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India – Official Statements
- United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) – Press Releases
- Human Rights Watch (HRW) – Reports on South Asia
- Reuters – Coverage on Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Clashes
- BBC News – Reports on Civilian Casualties in Airstrikes
- The Hindu – Analysis of India’s Diplomatic Response to Regional Issues
- The Wilson Center – Insights on South Asian Geopolitics
- Al Jazeera – Reports on Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations
