UN, Amnesty International Call for Investigation Into Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan as Civilian Casualties Reported

UN, Amnesty International Call for Investigation Into Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan as Civilian Casualties Reported
————————————-
The Amnesty International and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) have urged thorough investigations into recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, amid confirmed civilian deaths and wider diplomatic concerns.

According to UNAMA, airstrikes carried out by the Pakistan Air Force on the night of February 21–22, 2026, in Nangarhar Province and Paktika Province resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians, including women and children, and left seven others injured. The strikes hit the Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar, damaging residential areas and local structures. UNAMA expressed deep concern over the civilian toll and called for urgent protection measures for non-combatants.

Amnesty International said it is “deeply concerned” by reports of civilian casualties and called for “a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation” into the incidents, noting that these reports should be examined under international law. The rights group highlighted earlier UNAMA findings that, between October and December 2025, Pakistani military operations were attributed to 70 civilian deaths and 478 injuries amid heightened border tensions and clashes.

Amnesty urged all parties involved in the conflict to take steps to prevent civilian harm, stressing obligations under international humanitarian law. The organization called on both Pakistani authorities and local Afghan forces to ensure civilians are protected in ongoing security operations.

Tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border have escalated in recent weeks, with exchanges of fire reported between Afghan and Pakistani forces after the strikes. Analysts warn that such incidents could further destabilize the already fragile ceasefire between the two neighbours.