Altaf Hussain Condemns Pakistan's Airstrikes in Afghanistan
MQM founder Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned Pakistan's reported airstrikes in Afghanistan, warning that attacks on civilian areas could provoke retaliation from Kabul and further escalate tensions between the two neighbors. In a post on X, Hussain criticized the strikes on civilian homes in Afghanistan's Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.
Warning of Retaliation and War
Hussain stated that these attacks on civilians provide justification for a retaliatory response from Afghanistan against Pakistan, potentially pushing the situation toward war. He expressed grief over the reported deaths of women and children and argued that any military response should target military objectives, not civilian settlements.
Call for Diplomatic Action
Hussain urged Islamabad to pursue diplomatic channels by lodging protests with Afghanistan and raising the issue before the United Nations and the international community. He cited reports from Afghan authorities, the UN mission in Afghanistan, and the UN Special Representative, stating that the airstrikes killed 28 women and children and injured 49 others.
Accountability and Condolences
Hussain called for accountability over the reported casualties and offered condolences to the families of Rangers personnel killed in a militant attack in Karachi, while expressing solidarity with Afghan civilians affected by the strikes. He warned that if retaliatory attacks from Afghanistan cause civilian casualties inside Pakistan, responsibility lies with those who authorized strikes on civilian areas.
Urging Action Against Militants
The MQM founder urged Afghan authorities to take action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory to prevent cross-border attacks into Pakistan. He also called on Pakistan's political and military leadership to review regional policies, arguing that decades of security-driven strategies have strained relations with Afghanistan and fueled internal discontent.
