Kabul Accuses Pakistan of Violating Its Airspace Amid Rising Border Tensions
October 10, 2025
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated on Friday after the Taliban-led interim government accused Islamabad of carrying out an airstrike near the Durand Line, claiming that the strike targeted a civilian market in Paktika province.
In a statement shared on social media, the Afghan Defence Ministry said:
“Pakistan violated Afghanistan’s airspace by bombing a civilian market in the Marghi area near the border, breaching Kabul’s sovereign territory.”
Pakistan Remains Silent on the Allegations
While Afghan officials strongly condemned the attack, Pakistan’s military and foreign ministry have so far avoided confirming or denying the incident.
During a press briefing, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry refrained from commenting directly, saying only:
“To safeguard Pakistani lives and property, necessary measures will be taken when required.”
The Foreign Office has not yet issued a formal statement.
Confusion Over Explosion in Kabul
The accusations followed reports of an explosion in Kabul on Thursday evening. Social media users speculated that the blast might have targeted TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, but Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denied the rumors, clarifying that Mehsud was not in Afghanistan.
Kabul Calls Pakistan’s Action “Wrong”
Speaking at a press conference during his visit to India, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned the reported airstrike, calling it a violation of international norms.
“We consider this act of Pakistan wrong. Problems cannot be solved like this,” Muttaqi said. “We have kept the door open for discussion, but they must solve their issues peacefully.”
The comments came as India announced plans to upgrade its Kabul mission to a full embassy, marking a significant diplomatic development amid regional tensions.
Rising Terrorism and Cross-Border Strains
Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has faced a sharp rise in terrorist attacks, most claimed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — a group with ideological ties to the Afghan Taliban.
Earlier this week, 11 Pakistani security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were martyred in an operation against TTP militants in Orakzai district.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused Kabul of harbouring TTP fighters who launch attacks across the border. A recent UN report also stated that the TTP receives “substantial logistical and operational support” from Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently told parliament that Pakistan’s patience was running out:
“We will not tolerate this any longer. Those providing safe havens will also face the consequences.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the warning, saying Pakistan was committed to eliminating terrorism “from every inch of its territory” and would act decisively against threats “emanating from across the border.”
Long-Standing Pak-Afghan Disputes
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained for years due to border disputes, terrorism, and refugee issues. Islamabad has urged Kabul repeatedly to prevent Afghan soil from being used for attacks, while Kabul has criticised Pakistan’s repatriation of Afghan refugees.
Military leadership in Pakistan maintains that despite repeated warnings, the Afghan interim government has failed to curb militant activities. Reports from earlier this year suggest Pakistan has conducted targeted strikes inside Afghan territory to neutralize threats — actions Kabul has consistently condemned.
With tensions running high, both sides appear locked in a dangerous standoff that risks destabilizing regional peace and security.
