Afghan Official Condemns Pakistan Airstrikes, Calls PM’s Trump Praise ‘Embarrassing’
Afghanistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari has strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes that killed at least 10 people, including three cricketers, in Paktika province. The remarks came as defense ministers from both countries began Qatar-mediated talks in Doha to de-escalate tensions.
Key Developments
- Pakistan airstrikes kill 10 in Afghanistan’s Paktika province
- Afghan deputy minister accuses Pakistan of acting “at instigation of others”
- High-level defense talks underway in Doha with Qatar mediation
- Omari calls PM Shehbaz Sharif’s praise of Trump “embarrassing”
Afghanistan’s Strong Response
Deputy Minister Omari stated the attacks were “not of their own desire or decision, but rather carried out at the instigation of others.” He specifically referenced strikes that killed three Afghan cricketers among the casualties.
In a remarkable personal criticism, Omari reacted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s praise of Donald Trump during the Gaza peace summit in Egypt. “We were embarrassed that we wish [Shehbaz Sharif] were not Muslim,” he said.
Denial of Terror Shelter Claims
Omari firmly denied Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan Taliban shelter Pakistani militants. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not provided refuge to Pakistani Taliban; they are stationed in the tribal areas,” he asserted.
He also made historical claims about Pakistan’s independence, stating: “If there had been no mujahideen, Pakistan today would also be under Russian occupation.”
Doha Talks Underway
The high-level discussions in Doha involve Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Before the talks, Kabul accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty and initiating conflict.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry stated: “The Islamic Emirate is not a follower of war; rather, it was the Pakistani side that initiated the conflict by violating Afghanistan’s airspace.”
Diplomatic Efforts
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed satisfaction with the start of talks and emphasized resolving the issue through diplomacy. Both sides acknowledged Iran’s offer of assistance in the mediation process.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan maintains its military actions target “cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan.” The Pakistan foreign ministry said discussions focus on “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism” and restore border stability.
Recent Escalation
The latest violence saw Pakistan violate a ceasefire, killing at least six people including two children and wounding seven others in Paktika province. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strikes as “provocative and deliberate attempts to prolong the conflict” while instructing forces to avoid retaliation during talks.
Kabul has warned it “reserves the right to respond” if such violations continue, as both nations attempt to find diplomatic solutions in Doha.
