Pakistani military’s fresh airstrikes in Afghanistan an attempt to prolong conflict: Mujahid

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), on Saturday strongly condemned the recent Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province, calling them an attempt to prolong the war.

Mujahid emphasized that the Islamic Emirate reserves the right to respond to Pakistani incursions and violations of Afghan territory, but, in order to preserve the dignity of the negotiating delegation, its forces have been instructed to refrain from any new operations for the time being.

He reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to a peaceful and political solution and regional stability, while stressing that the recent incidents are the result of Pakistani transgressions.

According to Mujahid, a high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate, led by Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has traveled to Doha to hold talks with Pakistani officials.

At least 10 civilians have been killed and 12 others have been injured in Pakistani military’s airstrikes in Paktika on Friday night. Three local cricket players are also among the dead.