According to Afghan media and officials, several casualties and injuries were reported after unidentified drone strikes in the provinces of Khost and Nangarhar. No group or state has claimed responsibility so far. However, Afghan authorities quickly blamed Pakistan, summoning Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul to lodge a protest. The Afghan Ministry of Defense also issued an official statement, declaring it a Pakistani operation.
Pakistan’s Position and Repeated Allegations
While Pakistani officials have not issued a formal statement on the matter, they have consistently dismissed such accusations as unilateral and baseless. Islamabad maintains that Afghanistan repeatedly blames Pakistan without providing evidence. Pakistani sources claim that recent waves of terrorism inside Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are linked to Afghan soil. Just days ago, security operations in Balochistan reportedly killed 66 TTP militants, most of whom were Afghan nationals. Despite these facts, Kabul continues its blame game against Pakistan.
Gulf Aid and Allegations of Misuse
Another development tied to the regional situation is the suspension of financial aid by certain Gulf states, originally intended for the rehabilitation of TTP-linked communities in Afghanistan. Diplomatic sources revealed that the funds, meant for organizing specific groups on Afghan soil, were halted amid allegations of corruption and misuse. Observers believe this suspension has dealt a major blow to the financial structure supporting militancy. Pakistan, which was considering similar aid commitments for Afghanistan, is now compelled to rethink its approach.
Afghan Soil as a Launchpad for Terrorism
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern that Afghan territory is being used for terrorist activities. Reports from NACTA and other security agencies in 2023 and 2024 confirm that most attackers involved in Pakistan’s terror incidents either came directly from Afghanistan or were trained there. Despite repeated assurances and promises by Kabul, Islamabad argues that little has changed on the ground.
Diplomatic Implications and the Way Forward
The recent drone strikes in Khost and Nangarhar, followed by Kabul’s accusations, have strained relations once again, putting improved Pakistan-Afghanistan ties at risk. Analysts caution that if the Afghan government continues to pursue a one-sided narrative while ignoring Pakistan’s concerns, bilateral relations will face renewed tension.
Pakistani officials emphasize that both countries must prioritize cooperation instead of blame. Only through joint action can the serious problem of terrorism be resolved. Otherwise, the dispute will not only threaten the security of both nations but also undermine the overall stability of the region.
