UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire Amid Rising Military Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan

The United Nations Secretary-General has called for an immediate halt to the violent airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military on eastern Afghan provinces, urging both sides to resolve their disputes through diplomatic means.

Escalation of Military Tensions

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has expressed deep concern over the recent surge in military tensions and attacks between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He has called for a swift end to the violence and emphasized the need to ensure the safety of civilians in border regions. Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated in a press briefing that Guterres is closely monitoring the situation amid a new wave of hostilities that have led to significant civilian casualties.

Heavy Civilian Casualties Confirmed by UNAMA

According to confirmed reports from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), airstrikes by the Pakistani military in parts of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces have resulted in at least twenty-eight civilian deaths, with forty-nine others injured. This comes as Taliban officials in Kabul have reported much higher figures, claiming that thirty-eight civilians, including women and children, have been killed, and over one hundred sixty-three others wounded, some with critical injuries.

Displacement and Humanitarian Assessments Underway

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson also noted that these deadly rocket attacks and bombings have instilled widespread fear and displacement among local residents in eastern Afghanistan. International aid and humanitarian organizations are currently assessing the damage and conducting needs assessments on the ground to swiftly provide emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical services to those affected and internally displaced.

Call for Diplomatic Solutions and Respect for International Law

In his official statement, the UN Secretary-General urged officials from both neighboring countries to exercise restraint, set aside military options, and return to the diplomatic dialogue table to resolve existing challenges. Guterres emphasized the necessity of adhering to international commitments related to human rights and warfare laws, asserting that the protection of civilian lives and public infrastructure must remain a fundamental priority in all circumstances and that the lives of ordinary people should not be sacrificed for political hostilities.