Kabul/Islamabad: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after Pakistani airstrikes along the shared border reportedly killed and injured dozens of Afghan civilians, prompting Kabul to warn of a response.
Civilian Casualties Reported
Afghanistan’s government said overnight air raids struck residential areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, leaving “dozens” of people dead or wounded, including women and children.
Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strikes, saying civilians had been “martyred and wounded,” and accused Pakistan of targeting populated areas.
Pakistani militias bombed civilians in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces last night, martyring and wounding dozens of people, including women and children.#rta pic.twitter.com/hZ3ZquI2kv
— RTA English (@rtaenglish1) February 22, 2026
Pakistan Defends Operation
Pakistan confirmed carrying out cross-border strikes but maintained that the operation was aimed strictly at militant infrastructure.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the military conducted “intelligence-based selective targeting” of seven camps and hideouts linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups. He added that a facility associated with Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) was also hit.
According to Pakistani officials, the action followed a surge in militant attacks since the start of Ramadan, including a deadly mosque assault in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160.
Pakistani fighter jets launched a series of cross-border airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.
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— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) February 22, 2026
Islamabad Blames Kabul
The Pakistan Army said it had repeatedly urged Taliban authorities in Kabul to take verifiable steps to stop Afghan soil from being used by anti-Pakistan militants. Islamabad claims those concerns were not adequately addressed.
Relations Already Strained
Bilateral ties have remained tense since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan has consistently accused Kabul of harbouring militants involved in cross-border violence — allegations the Taliban government strongly denies.
Recent months have seen repeated border clashes and diplomatic friction, with the latest airstrikes threatening to further inflame the volatile relationship.
Afghanistan Warns of ‘Appropriate Response’
Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence said safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting citizens was both a religious and national duty. The ministry warned that Kabul would deliver a “measured and appropriate response” at a time of its choosing.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry said attacks on civilian areas reflected Pakistan’s “intelligence and security failures” and would not hide its internal shortcomings.
The situation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border remains tense as both sides harden their positions.
