Afghanistan issues demarche to Pakistani ambassador over alleged drone strikes

F.P. Report

KABUL : The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on Thursday summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul to lodge a formal protest over alleged Pakistani drone strikes that reportedly killed three civilians and injured seven others in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Khost.

In a statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a demarche was handed over to the envoy, describing the alleged strikes as a “serious violation” of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry condemned the action “in the strongest possible terms,” warning that such operations would only worsen tensions between the two neighboring states.

“These acts are provocative and undermine regional stability. Afghanistan reserves the right to defend its land and people against any form of aggression,” the ministry said.

Islamabad has not issued an official response to the Afghan claims. However, Pakistan has in the past accused militants of using Afghan territory to stage cross-border attacks, while Kabul maintains that the security challenges on both sides require cooperation rather than unilateral actions.

Political observers note that the incident comes at a time when both governments face mounting pressure to curb militant activity in the border region. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have long been marked by mistrust, with each side accusing the other of harboring armed groups responsible for attacks across the Durand Line.

The Afghan government urged Pakistan to engage in dialogue and avoid measures that could “further damage the spirit of neighborly relations.”