UN human rights rapporteur urges restraint after reported Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan's Nangarhar, Paktika

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern over reports of numerous children and other civilians killed in recent clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban. In a post on X on Monday, he called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and adhere to international law.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that Pakistani airstrikes overnight in Besud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar province killed at least 13 civilians, including women and children, and wounded seven others.

Nangarhar police command stated that strikes in Besud, Khogyani and Ghanikhel districts killed 18 civilians, wounded eight and left five missing.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban's defense forces would deliver a calculated response at the appropriate time. He added that the Taliban would not allow any party to use Afghan soil against others and had firmly warned the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Pakistani officials on the matter.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari described the strikes as Islamabad's right, conducted to defend Pakistanis against terrorism, and referenced a UN Security Council report warning that perpetrators of bloodshed in Pakistan would not escape pursuit.

Pakistan's Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry claimed nearly 70 militants were killed in the operations and said Pakistan would continue necessary actions inside its borders and against cross-border threats to protect its citizens.

India's Ministry of External Affairs and Iran condemned the strikes, describing them as an attempt by Pakistan to deflect its internal failures. India's spokesperson reiterated support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.