The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Monday condemning neighbouring Pakistan's recent airstrikes on Afghan civilians.
In a response to the media queries regarding the airstrikes on Afghan civilians, MEA spokeperson Randhir Jaiswal, while expressing concerns, said, "We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost."
"We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians. It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard", the MEA added.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the MEA posted:
Pakistan carried out strikes in Afghanistan late on Decemeber 24, targeting multiple areas in the Barmal district of Paktika province, which led to dismantling of a Taliban training facility. The strike resulted in death of at least 46 people including several women and children.
As per the information, seven villages were targeted in the attack, with Laman, in particular suffered signicicant casualties.
Later, acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi issued a strict warning to Pakistan and, urged Islamabad to learn the lessons of history before targetting Afghanistan.
While speaking at an event, marking the 45th anniversary of the Soviet invasion, Muttaqi strongly advised Pakistan to "learn from the fate of the Soviet Union and the United States", emphasising that Afghanistan will never accept invasions. He also called on the people of Pakistan to stop their rulers' wrong policies, IANS reported.
While condemning the Pakistan's airstrike ,the former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai called it a blatant aggression and violation of Afghan sovereignty.
Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry in Kabul also summoned the Pakistani envoy and lodged a strong protest over the strikes by Pakistan's military.