On March 14, India expressed strong condemnation of recent air strikes launched by Pakistan on Afghan soil. Indian officials emphasized that these actions undermine Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reaffirmed India’s position against the use of force that results in civilian casualties and damages infrastructure.

Jaiswal articulated that India’s stance is rooted in a commitment to uphold the sovereignty of Afghanistan while advocating for stability and peace in the region. The Indian government stated, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, which led to civilian fatalities and destruction of vital infrastructure. This act reflects an ongoing aggression from a Pakistani establishment that remains antagonistic towards a sovereign Afghanistan.” The spokesperson reiterated the necessity of fully respecting Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.

Concerns Over Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

The recent Pakistani air strike is reported to have resulted in significant casualties and damage to local infrastructure. Officials from Kam Air disclosed to local media that the air force targeted fuel reserves at Kandahar Airport. This specific fuel stock was intended for use in Hajj flights later this year, raising alarms about potential disruptions to aviation services.

Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of attacking civilian infrastructure and claimed that previous strikes had also targeted civilian fuel storage owned by a trader named Haji Khan Zadah. Mujahid’s post on social media highlighted the impact of these strikes on domestic airlines and humanitarian operations carried out by the United Nations.

UN Reports Rising Civilian Death Toll

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported an alarming increase in civilian casualties linked to the recent air strikes. According to their findings, at least four civilians were killed, and 14 others were injured, including women and children, during a series of strikes in the Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul. UNAMA has called for an immediate halt to hostilities to mitigate further loss of civilian life.

The mission emphasized that civilians are disproportionately affected during this escalation of violence. Since February 26, UNAMA documented a total of 75 civilian deaths and injuries to 193 individuals due to ongoing armed clashes. The escalation in violence has raised significant humanitarian concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

Continued Cross-Border Violence and Regional Stability

In a separate incident, it was reported that Pakistani military operations in the Alisher-Terezai district of Khost province had involved artillery fire, resulting in the deaths of four family members and injuring three others. The situation highlights the deterioration of security and escalating tensions in regions adjacent to the Durand Line, prompting calls for urgent diplomatic measures to restore stability.

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