Former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad has warned that Pakistan’s latest airstrikes in Kabul are a dangerous escalation. In a tweet on X, Khalilzad said the attacks could spark wider conflict and called on Islamabad and Kabul to sit down and negotiate instead of using force. He emphasized that both sides have secret bases along the Durand Line and that a diplomatic solution is the only way to keep people from dying.
The Pakistani strikes came after the Taliban’s armed wing reportedly intensified attacks inside Pakistan, targeting ISIS fighters and causing several high‑profile deaths. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials have back‑ed extremist groups that are active in their own border provinces—an approach that further fuels tensions in the region.
A “spokesperson” from Afghanistan, Zabihullah, said an explosion was heard in Kabul on Thursday night but no damage has been reported. Investigations are underway, officials told the press that everyone can breathe easier for now.
In the same week, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly that his forces could face “collateral damage” if the country is attacked again. He urged women that the cycle of violence has gone on long enough.
At the same time, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for a week‑long visit—a first high‑level trip from Kabul since the Taliban took over in August 2021. His visit is part of the Taliban’s effort to rebuild ties with India, while security concerns in Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to rise.
The week’s events underscore how military escalation could push both Pakistan and Afghanistan toward more dangerous conflicts. Experts and the former U.S. envoy are urging the two leaders to prioritize dialogue over more airstrikes, especially in the frontlines where civilians often bear the brunt of the fighting.
Source: aninews
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