Humanitarian agencies warn of rising civilian toll after Pakistan bombings

Aid groups operating in Afghanistan have warned that the recent Pakistani air bombardments are inflating the civilian casualty count at an alarming rate. The attacks on Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces killed 36 people, among them women and children, and left 163 wounded.

The Taliban’s official spokesperson Hamdullah Fateh confirmed that three homes were completely demolished, displacing dozens of families. UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres appealed for an urgent cease‑fire and for the protection of civilians under international humanitarian standards.

UNAMA reiterated that any use of force must be proportionate, discriminate, and necessary, urging all sides to prioritize the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure. The European Union, along with other international actors, called for an immediate de‑escalation and for strict adherence to the Geneva Conventions.

Human‑rights watchdogs, including the UN special rapporteur and the British envoy, stressed the importance of accountability and called for transparent investigations into the incidents.