Pashtun Leaders Condemn Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan, Call for Immediate Halt

Quetta: Prominent Pashtun political leaders and elected representatives Maqbool Khan Achakzai (Chairman, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party & Opposition Leader, National Assembly), Mohsin Dawar (Chairman, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan & National Democratic Movement), and Khushal Khan Kakak (Chairman, Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party & Member, National Assembly) have expressed deep concern over Pakistan Air Force airstrikes in densely populated areas of Afghanistan, which have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.

In a joint statement, the leaders described the situation as an “undeclared war”, urging both sides to immediately cease armed conflict, warning that the negative impact of these operations is disproportionately affecting Pashtun communities on both sides of the Durand Line.

The statement highlighted that the majority of the affected victims are Pashtuns who have already endured decades of insecurity. The leaders stressed that without a positive shift in Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy, the escalating tensions could destabilize the entire region.

The statement also criticized the lack of parliamentary oversight in making such sensitive national security decisions, emphasizing that the legislature should play a fundamental role in foreign policy.

The leaders recalled historical context, noting that regional extremism is not a natural development of local societies but rather the result of foreign interventions and proxy strategies since the 1980s, for which Pashtuns have paid a heavy price as a “frontline state.”

They further expressed grave concern over escalating tensions and attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran, calling them a serious threat to global peace. The statement concluded by urging an immediate halt to military operations and stressing the need for diplomacy based on peace, development, and mutual respect instead of further conflicts in the region.