DG ISPR rejects Afghan allegations of cross-border airstrikes

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan on Tuesday firmly dismissed allegations by Afghanistan’s interim authorities that it had conducted deadly airstrikes inside Afghan territory.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry rejected the claims, saying Pakistan had neither attacked Afghanistan nor targeted civilians in provinces including Khost, Kunar and Paktika, as alleged by Kabul. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban regime, had accused Islamabad of bombing a civilian home in Khost, reportedly killing nine children and a woman.

During a media briefing, Lt-Gen Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan never engages in covert actions, stating that any military action is announced and acknowledged openly. He emphasised that Pakistan follows state principles, targeting only terrorists and never civilians. He underlined that Pakistan’s position is consistent: “There are no good or bad Taliban; there is no distinction among terrorists.”

He urged the Afghan authorities to act as a responsible state rather than a non-state actor, noting that questions remain on how long the current set-up in Afghanistan will stay as an interim administration. He additionally called for a ban on non-custom-paid vehicles, citing their frequent use in terrorism incidents.

The remarks followed a suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar, which killed three officers and injured 11 others. Investigators said the attackers were likely Afghan nationals, supported by recovered evidence including fingerprints, CCTV footage and photographs.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,500-kilometre porous border, with multiple crossing points central to regional trade, movement and cultural ties. However, relations have deteriorated due to the presence of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad says has been allowed to operate from Afghan soil. These claims were supported by a United Nations Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team report, which indicated that the Taliban regime had provided operational, logistical and financial assistance to the TTP.

Diplomatic efforts by Qatar and Turkiye helped initiate talks to ease tensions, but the dialogue collapsed in November without resolution. Trade relations were subsequently suspended, and Pakistan linked any resumption to Kabul’s commitment to end cross-border terrorism. The issue has also impacted key regional energy projects tied to Afghanistan’s cooperation.

Court martial of Faiz Hamid

The DG ISPR also addressed ongoing court martial proceedings against former ISI Director General, retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid. He cautioned against speculation, stating that the case is being handled under strict legal parameters and any final outcome will be announced immediately once reached.

Avoid speculations over Faiz Hamid court martial case, says DG ISPR

Faiz Hamid was taken into military custody in August 2024. The army confirmed in December 2024 that he had been indicted on charges including engaging in political activities, misuse of authority, and violating anti-espionage laws under the Pakistan Army Act. His case stems from a Supreme Court ruling directing the investigation of complaints lodged by the Top City housing society owner, who had alleged seizure of valuables during a 2017 raid.

Hamid is the first former ISI chief and only the second three-star general to face court martial, making it one of the most high-profile proceedings in Pakistan’s military history. Following indictment, he is entitled to hire legal representation as per military law.