Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions rise as reported jet overflights and UN protest draw global attention

Afghan authorities say Pakistani jets entered northern Afghanistan, while Pakistan insists its actions target terrorism, highlighting continued strain after a temporary Eid ceasefire ended.

An official from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence told media that Pakistani aircraft flew over Balkh province, adding that air defence units fired at the jets. No strikes or damage were reported.

Hammad Wisal, spokesperson for the 209 Al-Fath Corps in Balkh, sought to reassure residents. He said air defence forces had responded to aircraft linked to Pakistan’s “military regime” in northern Afghanistan, adding that “there is no need for concern.”

Protests against Pakistan 

The development coincided with a protest outside the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) office in Kabul. Political analysts, university professors and media activists read out a letter before submitting it to the mission.

In the letter, they accused Pakistan of recent attacks against civilians in several Afghan provinces and urged international bodies to act. They called on UNAMA, the UN Security Council, human rights organisations, the International Criminal Court and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to recognise the incidents as “war crimes” and hold perpetrators accountable.

The signatories also demanded that “future actions and provocations by Pakistan must be prevented” and called for an investigation into an attack on a drug treatment centre in Kabul.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, defended Islamabad’s position. He said Pakistan remained committed to “eradicating the menace of terrorism.”

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“Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism,” he said, adding that “Pakistan’s actions inside Afghanistan… are directed towards this goal.”

Afghan authorities have previously condemned Pakistani airstrikes as violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing sanctuary to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation Afghan officials deny.

Regional countries, including Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, have attempted mediation in recent months, but no agreement has been reached.

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Pakistan Afghanistan Kabul Islamabad defence military Conflict Taliban Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Qatar Türkiye