'Reckless behaviour': India slams Pakistan over deadly Afghanistan airstrikes

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "India strongly condemns Pakistan's air-strikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children."

"This blatant act of aggression by Pakistan is an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability," the ministry said.

The statement added: "It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalize internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders."

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 others injured in Pakistani airstrikes carried out in Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces on Sunday evening.

"We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," the Kabul-based UN mission said in a statement.

Women and children among victims

UNAMA said women and children were among those killed and injured, adding that the casualty figures remain preliminary and could rise as hospitals continue to treat the wounded.

The mission also noted that Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had confirmed that Pakistani security forces carried out strikes in the three Afghan provinces.

Over 20 killed in Paktya

According to UNAMA, the deadliest strike occurred at around 11:30 pm local time in Chamkani district of Paktya province, where at least 22 civilians were killed and 47 others injured.

At around the same time, another airstrike in Gyan district of Paktika province killed six civilians, while a third strike in Marawara district of Kunar province injured two children.

UNAMA said it is continuing to verify the incidents and reiterated its call for all parties to respect the principles of precaution, distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

Guterres urges restraint

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to resolve their differences through diplomacy.

"We continue to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and continue to stress that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times," UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters on Monday.

Guterres also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and noted that the latest airstrikes had reportedly triggered fresh displacement in the affected areas.