Claims made by Afghan Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat regarding alleged Pakistani shelling in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, including the provincial capital Asadabad and Manogai district, have been strongly rejected by defence analysts and experts, who describe the statements as misleading and fabricated.
Unverified Allegations
According to the claims, Fitrat alleged that on 27 April Pakistani forces targeted civilian areas and the Syed Jamaluddin Afghan University, resulting in significant casualties including women, children, and students. However, no credible evidence or independent verification has supported these assertions, raising serious doubts over their authenticity.
Observers say these allegations reflect a continuation of a broader propaganda pattern aimed at gaining international sympathy while distorting ground realities.
Organized Psychological and Information Campaign
Security and policy analysts argue that the exaggeration of casualty figures and the repeated reference to sensitive locations such as educational institutions form part of a coordinated psychological strategy. This approach, they say, relies on emotional messaging and selective visuals to influence public perception and divert attention from cross-border militant activity and the operations of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.
Diplomatic Narrative and Ground Realities
Experts further note that the Taliban administration has repeatedly used unverified claims of civilian harm as a diplomatic tool to shape international opinion against Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations. They emphasize that such operations are conducted in accordance with international principles of distinction and proportionality, and are strictly targeted at verified militant threats.
They also underline that Pakistan does not target civilian infrastructure as part of its operational policy.
Disinformation Concerns
Analysts describe the recent statements by the Taliban spokesperson as part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at projecting allegations of “war crimes” without substantiated evidence. According to them, this narrative serves to deflect attention from internal security failures and alleged support networks for militant groups operating in the region, while attempting to present a false narrative of victimhood.
