Khalilzad Condemns Pakistan’s Airstrikes, Cites Turkish Mediation Efforts

DID Press: Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Envoy on Afghanistan Reconciliation, has strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, warning that increased military pressure will only deepen the regional crisis.

According to initial reports, last night’s strike in the Maghulgai area of Gurbuz district, Khost province, killed nine children and one woman. Four civilians were injured in separate attacks in Kunar and Paktika.

Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Khalilzad wrote that “killing civilians and pushing the region toward a broader war is not the solution to the disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” emphasizing that realistic diplomacy and sustained engagement must replace military actions.

He also welcomed new efforts aimed at reducing tensions, revealing that a high-level Turkish delegation will soon travel to Islamabad and possibly Kabul to work on a bilateral agreement. Under this proposed framework, neither country would allow its territory to be used against the other.

According to Khalilzad, the plan includes the formation of a joint monitoring and coordination center in Ankara with representatives from Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to oversee and implement any potential agreement.