According to Tolo News, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during an interview with CNN, highlighting the civilian toll of recent violence and calling for a more constructive approach between the neighbouring countries.
Balkhi said that 1,119 civilians had been killed or injured in attacks since early 2022, with women and children accounting for most of the casualties. He also referred to victims at a rehabilitation centre.
“Since early 2022, 1,119 civilians have been killed or injured in these attacks, most of them women and children, including hundreds at a rehabilitation center,” Balkhi said.
The Afghan spokesperson also criticised Islamabad’s repeated allegations concerning militant activity originating from Afghan territory, urging Pakistan to pursue diplomatic engagement instead.
Kabul urges Pakistan to pursue diplomacy
Responding to Pakistan’s security-related accusations, Balkhi called on the Pakistani authorities to engage with their own population and seek a diplomatic understanding with Afghanistan.
“Instead of making baseless allegations, Pakistan should address its security challenges through responsible engagement with its own people and genuine diplomacy with Afghans,” he said.
The remarks reflect the continuing dispute between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy and the responsibility for tackling armed groups operating in the region.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for action against militant organisations it accuses of using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside its borders.
The Taliban administration, however, has rejected allegations that Afghanistan is responsible for Pakistan’s internal security problems.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated amid recurring cross-border hostilities, with Afghan officials repeatedly condemning Pakistani military operations that they say have struck residential areas and caused civilian casualties.
Pakistani airstrikes add to civilian toll
Recent military operations in Afghanistan have further intensified tensions between the neighbours.
According to Tolo News, Pakistani airstrikes last month reportedly killed three people and wounded several others in Kunar province.
Strikes also targeted areas in Paktika province.
The reported casualties have added to Kabul’s criticism of Pakistan’s cross-border operations, which Afghan officials have repeatedly accused of endangering civilians.
The two sides continue to differ over the security situation along their shared border.
Islamabad has pressed Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan, while Kabul has objected to military action inside Afghanistan.
The latest exchange of accusations comes against the backdrop of recurring violence and unsuccessful efforts to ease tensions through diplomatic engagement.
Kabul rejects Shehbaz Sharif’s terrorism claims
Earlier this month, Afghanistan also responded sharply to remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning terrorism allegedly emanating from Afghan territory.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani authorities of making baseless allegations against Kabul and undermining efforts to advance negotiations between the two sides.
Mujahid also alleged that Pakistan was prioritising propaganda over addressing its domestic political, security, social and economic difficulties.
In a post on X, the Afghan spokesperson argued that blaming Afghanistan for Pakistan’s internal problems would not resolve the challenges confronting Islamabad.
He also maintained that Pakistan’s difficulties had consequences for the wider region.
The comments followed Sharif’s remarks about the security threat Pakistan associates with militant activity originating from Afghanistan, underscoring the continuing disagreement between the two governments.
Cross-border militancy remains key dispute
The latest statements from Balkhi and Mujahid highlight the sharply contrasting positions of Islamabad and Kabul on cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to take action against militant groups it says operate from Afghan territory and threaten its security.
Afghan officials have rejected what they describe as unsubstantiated accusations and called on Islamabad to address its own domestic challenges.
The dispute has been compounded by cross-border military operations, reported civilian casualties and disagreements over the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.
While Pakistani officials continue to raise concerns about militancy linked to Afghan territory, the Taliban-led administration has maintained that allegations against Afghanistan do not offer a solution to Pakistan’s security problems.
The exchange of statements has further exposed the divide between the two neighbours, whose relations remain strained by competing claims over militancy, military operations and responsibility for the region’s continuing security challenges.