KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations, expressing concern over civilian casualties following Pakistani military regime airstrikes in Afghanistan, has said that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.
The Pakistani military regime carried out airstrikes late Sunday night in the provinces of Paktika, Paktia, and Kunar.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said on his X account that as a result of these attacks, 36 people, including women and children, were martyred and 163 others were injured.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also confirmed that at least 28 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 49 others were injured in the airstrikes on Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.
Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, in a press briefing, called for the “immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians.”
“We continue to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times,” Dujarric told reporters on Monday.
He said that UN humanitarian teams reported the attacks had caused displacement, adding that partners on the ground were assessing needs and preparing to deliver emergency assistance.
Dujarric said UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times.
On Monday, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) also called on Pakistan to immediately and transparently clarify the conditions, legal basis, and targeting protocols governing the operation.
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