The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, on Tuesday called for an immediate resumption of dialogue between the Taliban and Pakistan, saying violence is not a solution to their conflicts.
In a post on X, Bennett echoed the call from the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), stressing that “respect for international law and protection of civilians is critical.” He added that both parties should return to the negotiating table and “cease using violence to address problems.”
Bennett urged inclusion of women in the talks, saying their participation “might help” achieve a more durable resolution.
The request comes after UNAMA reported that at least 10 civilians were killed and six others wounded in airstrikes overnight in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Khost and Kunar — strikes blamed by the Taliban on Pakistan.
While the Taliban blame Pakistan’s military for violating Afghan sovereignty, Islamabad has long insisted it acts only against militants it accuses of operating from Afghanistan’s territory and says peace efforts must focus on eliminating terrorism.
According to Taliban spokesman, Pakistani fighter jets bombed parts of Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces early on Tuesday.
Residents in the area confirmed that the victims were civilians, mostly children.
“Those who were killed were children and poor people. They had no ties with the government or the Taliban. They were innocent,” said Jumauddin, a resident of Khost.
“The bombing targeted innocent people, including a woman who had done nothing. These people did not fight or resist, yet they were martyred,” Waliullah, another Khost resident, said.
Footage from Kunar also shows damaged homes, with local sources reporting at least five people were wounded in Asadabad following the strikes.
This comes amid unprecedented tension between Pakistan and the Taliban over the past two months. In October, an eight‑day border clash left about 37 people dead and more than 400 wounded, and Pakistan also launched airstrikes targeting parts of Kabul.
As with previous strikes that coincided with a Taliban foreign minister’s travel abroad, the latest bombardment occurred while Taliban Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi was visiting India.
Meanwhile, all major border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been closed to trade and travel for nearly seven weeks. Two rounds of talks in Istanbul this month ended without progress.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have recently expressed readiness to mediate between Islamabad and the Taliban as the standoff deepens.
