UN Chief Calls for Immediate End to Pakistan-Taliban Hostilities

DID Press: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s recent strikes inside Afghanistan and the escalating tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and full protection of civilians.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters on Monday that Guterres urged all parties to resolve their differences through diplomatic means and stressed the need to fully respect international humanitarian law.

Dujarric said the secretary-general emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under all circumstances.Citing the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Dujarric said Pakistani airstrikes in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar reportedly killed and injured a significant number of civilians.

The strikes also displaced residents, with U.N. humanitarian agencies assessing urgent needs and preparing emergency assistance for affected communities.Pakistan said on Monday that the strikes were carried out in response to a series of “terrorist attacks” inside the country and targeted what it described as militant hideouts in Afghanistan.

The Taliban condemned the strikes, saying dozens of civilians had been killed.Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have deteriorated in recent years amid rising militant attacks and growing border tensions.

Islamabad accuses the Taliban of allowing armed groups to operate from Afghan territory, an allegation the Taliban deny.