The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has officially summoned the Pakistani Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires to lodge a "strong and firm protest" following a series of deadly overnight airstrikes inside Afghan territory.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry said Pakistan's military had once again violated Afghanistan's airspace during overnight operations, carrying out bombardments in parts of Khost, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.

According to Afghan authorities, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man. An additional 14 civilians, among them women and children, were reportedly injured.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes in the strongest terms, describing them as a "crime against humanity" and a blatant breach of international law and accepted international norms governing the sovereignty of states.

"The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns these attacks and regards them as a clear violation of international principles and laws," the statement said.

The ministry stressed that protecting Afghanistan's territorial integrity and ensuring the security of its citizens constitute both a national duty and a religious responsibility.

During the meeting with the Pakistani diplomat, Afghan officials conveyed their "strong and firm protest" and warned that the continuation of such actions would have serious consequences for bilateral relations and regional stability.

The statement further urged Pakistan to address the root causes of its domestic security challenges through constructive means rather than pursuing what it described as "proxy policies."

"The Pakistani side should understand that instead of following proxy policies, it should seek fundamental solutions to its internal problems," the ministry stated.

Afghan authorities also held Pakistan's military leadership responsible for any fallout resulting from future cross-border operations.

"We once again clearly emphasize that responsibility for all consequences of these repeated provocative actions and crimes will rest with the Pakistani military," the statement added.

Questioning the justification behind such military operations, the ministry concluded with a pointed message: "How can the killing of children and women in one land be considered a means of ensuring security in another?"

The latest incident is expected to further strain already fragile relations between Kabul and Islamabad. Tensions between the two neighboring countries have repeatedly flared over border security, allegations of cross-border militancy, and military operations conducted along the disputed frontier.

The reported civilian casualties have renewed calls for restraint and adherence to international law, as concerns grow over the humanitarian impact of escalating cross-border hostilities in the region. (ILKHA)