Richard Lindsay, the UK special envoy for Afghanistan, said on Monday he was “deeply concerned” by the escalating violence “between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” urging all sides to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and de-escalate tensions.
expressed concern over the latest violence between Pakistan and Taliban, urging all sides to de-escalate and protect civilians.
In a post on X, Lindsay said he was “deeply concerned” by the ongoing violence and the continued loss of life on both sides of the border.
“We condemn all forms of terrorism,” he wrote.
Lindsay also called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, reiterating calls for de-escalation.
The statement came after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it had confirmed that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured in the strikes, while warning that the casualty toll could rise as verification continues.
Pakistan has said the operation targeted hideouts belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, while the Taliban say the strikes hit residential areas, killing dozens of civilians.
The latest exchange marks the second Pakistani cross-border operation inside Afghanistan this month and has further heightened tensions between Pakistan and Taliban, who continue to accuse each other of harboring militant groups operating across the border.
