Amnesty International said it was “deeply concerned” about reports of civilian casualties caused by Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, calling for an independent investigation into the incidents.
In a statement, the rights organization said it had received reports that civilians were killed and injured during airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in Nangarhar on Feb. 21 and 22. It did not provide specific casualty figures.
“These reports of harm to civilians must be subjected to a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation,” Amnesty said.
Pakistan carried out airstrikes in two eastern provinces on Saturday night. UN mission in Afghanistan said at least 13 civilians were killed in the airstrikes.
Amnesty noted that this was not the first time civilians had been affected by escalating tensions along the border. It cited findings by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which attributed 70 civilian deaths and 478 injuries to Pakistani military forces between October and December 2025, during a period of intensified clashes between Taliban forces and the Pakistani military.
The rights group reiterated its call on all parties involved in hostilities to take necessary measures to protect civilians, in accordance with their obligations under international law.
The airstrikes come amid rising tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban, with Pakistan saying Afghanistan-based militants carry out attacks inside its territory, allegations the Taliban have denied.
