A ‘shameful pattern’ unfolds as Pakistan’s jets pound Afghan villages under the guise of anti-terror ops, primarily striking civilians and eroding Kabul’s strength, per expert insights. This calculated ploy, unmasked in recent reporting, demands urgent global reckoning.
February 22 strikes in eastern provinces during Ramadan killed 13 non-combatants (UNAMA), with Afghan sources citing 18-20 deaths. Pakistan’s unproven claim of 70-80 terrorist kills lacks any substantiation, contrasting starkly with verified civilian carnage involving women and kids.
The Times of Israel’s Michael Arijanti cuts through: ‘Not self-defense against TTP/ISKP, but naked aggression on innocents.’ He urges ending this sovereignty violation.
Tit-for-tat ensued. Taliban deputy Hamdullah Fitrat revealed Afghan counter-strikes Friday morning on Islamabad-area Faizabad camp, Naushera, Jamrud, and Abbottabad—avenging Thursday Pakistani hits on Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia.
Reports call for UN/EU-led verifications and intel protocols. Afghanistan alerts UNSC for halts and inquiries; Taliban pledges deliberate action. UNAMA prioritizes international law’s civilian protections.
India’s response exemplifies moral clarity. MEA condemned the ‘unprovoked violation’ for Ramadan deaths, charging Pakistan with masking internal failures abroad. With substantial tech-diplo support to Taliban-led Afghanistan since 2021, India counters Pak concerns over hostile activities, strategically isolating foes, deepening Kabul bonds, and stabilizing South-Central Asia despite nuclear tensions.