Washington: In a harrowing escalation of cross-border hostilities, the Pakistan Army has again violated the ceasefire along the Durand Line, launching attacks in Afghanistan’s Paktia Province that left eight people dead, including three local cricketers, and injured eight others. Civilian areas were hit, prompting outrage from Afghans both within the country and across the diaspora.
Speaking from the United States, former Afghan Member of Parliament Mariam Solaimankhil condemned the strikes as “cowardly and barbaric,” holding Pakistan’s military directly responsible for what she described as systematic terrorism in the region. “We are not surprised. This is the same pattern of violence the ISI and Pakistan Army have unleashed for decades, from India to Afghanistan,” Solaimankhil said. “But to see young cricketers, babies, and mothers being killed it is heartbreaking.”
The exiled MP linked the surge in aggression to the recent visit of Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India, asserting that Pakistan’s actions are rooted in insecurity and fear of Afghan-Indian cooperation. “Whenever Afghanistan moves closer to India, our historic partner, it threatens Pakistan’s military establishment. Their economy thrives on war and destruction. They cannot tolerate peace between Afghans and Indians,” she said.
Solaimankhil issued a fiery warning to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, declaring, “You reap what you sow. For decades, you’ve bred terrorists and used them as weapons. Don’t be surprised when the fire you started burns your own home.” She accused the Pakistani establishment of using a propaganda machinery full of trolls to justify civilian killings under the pretense of anti-TTP operations, adding, “They claim they are targeting terror camps, yet no TTP members are identified. What we see are pictures of Afghan babies murdered in cold blood.”
Highlighting the humanitarian toll, the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed deep grief over the death of the three cricketers from Urgun District, Paktika Province—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon alongside five other civilians injured during the attacks. The players had returned from Sharana, the provincial capital, after participating in a friendly match when they were targeted. In a mark of respect, the Afghan Cricket Board announced it would withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled for late November.
Solaimankhil also called for stronger India-Afghanistan cooperation to counter what she termed “the extremist ideology born in Rawalpindi,” praising India’s consistent support for the Afghan people despite political changes. She further urged the international community to take notice, warning, “The facade is breaking. The world must act before Pakistan’s militarism destroys peace across South Asia entirely.”
The incident has intensified fears of escalating violence along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with analysts warning that repeated cross-border attacks risk destabilizing the region and undermining efforts at diplomatic resolution. The tragedy of the slain athletes has become a rallying point for Afghan voices abroad, highlighting both the human cost of ongoing hostilities and the need for urgent international attention.