Pakistan Denies Afghan Taliban Claims of Civilian Deaths in Cross-Border Strikes

In a statement released on Monday, Pakistan's Foreign Office dismissed the Afghan Taliban government's claim that Pakistani counter-terrorism strikes have killed or injured civilians in Afghanistan, labeling the allegations as unfounded. The ministry emphasized that its operations are directed solely at terrorist networks and their logistical bases, and that the force used is proportionate to the threat level. It cited more than 3,500 casualties in Pakistan from attacks launched from Afghan territory in 2026, and referenced UN monitoring reports highlighting the Taliban's failure to curb groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan one outlet Army.

The FO warned that misinformation will not obscure the danger posed by these organisations, which it says operate with the Taliban's tacit support. It reiterated Pakistan's right to act in self-defence to protect its citizens and called on the international community to hold the Afghan regime accountable for breaching its obligations. The statement also rejected former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's claim that Pakistan was arming Afghans against the Taliban.