UN Urges Kabul, Islamabad to Return to Dialogue

DID Press: Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has called for an immediate halt to violence and urged both Pakistan and the Taliban government to return to the negotiating table.

In a message posted on his X account, Bennett emphasized that Pakistan and other parties involved must refrain from using force and engage in dialogue to resolve disputes. He stressed that adherence to international law and the protection of civilians must remain a top priority.

According to details released, Pakistani fighter jets bombed a resident’s home in Gurbuz district of Khost province on Monday night. The attack killed five boys, four girls, and one woman, completely destroying the house. Similar attacks in Kunar and Paktika provinces left at least four civilians injured.

The Taliban government described the strikes as “aggressive” and asserted that defending the country’s territory, airspace, and people is a legitimate right. The government warned that an “appropriate response” would be delivered at the right time.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also condemned the attacks, noting that most of the victims were children. UNAMA called on all parties to refrain from any actions that could endanger civilian lives.