Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Shifting Blame for Its Security Failures

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has rejected Pakistan’s allegations over cross-border terrorism, urging Islamabad to address its domestic security challenges through diplomacy rather than blaming Kabul for militant violence. According to an ANI report, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the civilian toll of Pakistan’s military operations inside Afghanistan.

Citing figures provided by Afghan officials, Balkhi said that 1,119 civilians had been killed or injured in attacks since early 2022, with women and children accounting for a significant proportion of the victims. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Balkhi called on Pakistan to pursue constructive engagement and resolve its security concerns through dialogue with Afghanistan. He rejected Islamabad’s repeated allegations that Afghan territory was being used to organise attacks against Pakistan.

Civilian Casualties Deepen Bilateral Tensions

The latest exchange comes amid deteriorating relations between the two neighbours, with repeated border clashes and Pakistani military strikes inside Afghanistan intensifying tensions. Afghan officials have repeatedly accused Pakistan of conducting operations that affect residential areas and endanger civilians. Kabul maintains that such attacks violate Afghan sovereignty and undermine efforts to establish stable relations between the two countries. Recent reports have also highlighted casualties from cross-border strikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, including Kunar and Paktika. The incidents have added to concerns about the humanitarian consequences of continued military confrontation.

Pakistan Rejects Afghanistan’s Allegations

Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the Afghan administration’s claims on October 26, describing the allegations concerning civilian casualties as unsubstantiated.

Islamabad maintains that its cross-border operations target militant organisations and their logistical facilities, rather than civilians. Pakistani officials argue that armed groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operate from Afghan territory and use it to plan attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to take verifiable action against militant groups. Kabul, however, denies responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security problems and rejects accusations that it allows its territory to be used to launch attacks against its neighbour.

Diplomatic Deadlock Raises Regional Concerns

The competing allegations underscore the growing mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan insists that preventing cross-border militancy is essential to its national security, while Afghanistan argues that military strikes and accusations are damaging bilateral relations and contributing to civilian suffering.

With both sides maintaining opposing positions, the absence of a mutually accepted security framework continues to complicate efforts to reduce tensions. For now, the dispute remains unresolved, with civilians facing the consequences of continuing instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.