Khalilzad Blames Pakistan Leadership After Kabul Strike, Urges Global Response

DID Press: Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has condemned the reported mass casualties from an airstrike in Kabul, blaming Pakistan’s leadership and calling for international action.

“I am deeply saddened by the killing of around 400 Afghan civilians and the wounding of hundreds more,” Khalilzad said, referring to figures released by the Taliban, which have not been independently verified.

He described the attack as the result of “brutal actions” by Pakistan’s military, warning that it has prompted Kabul to withdraw from proposed negotiations and consider retaliatory measures that could escalate tensions.

Khalilzad urged the international community to condemn the attack and provide humanitarian assistance to victims, while also calling on the Taliban to reconsider aspects of their policies.

In remarks directed at the Pakistani public, Khalilzad criticized the country’s leadership, expressing hope that citizens would reject what he described as an “inhumane decision” by military authorities.

The Taliban say 400 civilians were killed and 250 others injured in the reported overnight strike, claims that remain unconfirmed by independent sources.