The United Nations calls on Pakistan and Afghanistan to end the fighting – “The spiral of revenge increases suffering”

The suffering of civilians on both sides of the border

Since the escalation of hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan last week, 56 Afghan civilians have been killed, including 24 children and 6 women. 129 people were injured, including 41 children and 31 women. According to the United Nations, up to 66,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan as a result of the latest round of fighting.

In Pakistan, artillery shelling and other forms of gunfire forced residents to flee their homes, at least two schools were reportedly targeted, and more than 100 schools were closed.

Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk said: “Civilians on both sides of the border are now forced to flee airstrikes, heavy artillery fire, mortar shells, and gunfire. I call on all parties to end the conflict and prioritize assistance to those severely affected.”

The High Commissioner called on all parties to take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians, in line with their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

He urged the parties to conduct immediate, comprehensive and independent investigations into alleged violations of international law, and to publish their results. He also stressed the need to hold those responsible for these violations accountable, in accordance with international standards.

Important background

In 2025, the United Nations attributed the deaths of 87 civilians and the wounding of 518 others in Afghanistan to Pakistani military forces, the highest number of civilian casualties attributed to cross-border attacks in a single year since the United Nations began recording such incidents in 2009.

Since the beginning of this year, 69 civilians have been killed and 141 others injured in Afghanistan.

More than two million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan since Pakistan began implementing the plan to repatriate irregular foreigners in September 2023. About two million more Afghans are believed to remain in Pakistan, with many facing harsh conditions and constant fear of arrest and deportation.

About 22 million people – nearly half of Afghanistan’s population – need humanitarian assistance, including more than 11.6 million children.

The air strikes on Afghanistan follow a series of deadly incidents in Pakistan this year, including an attack on a checkpoint in Bajaur, suicide bombings targeting a Shiite mosque in Islamabad and a wedding in Dera Ismail Khan, and other attacks allegedly carried out by the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups.

The Human Rights Commissioner said that the cycle of revenge and violence only increases the suffering of the population. He urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to reduce escalation and address the security issues facing each other through dialogue, negotiation and mutual cooperation.