On 28 June 2026, as part of the continuing aerial attacks by Pakistani military forces inside Afghan territory, civilians were once again tragically targeted. Rawadari’s preliminary findings indicate that, as a result of last night’s attacks in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar, 28 civilians were killed and 176 wounded — with women and children among the victims.
Based on reports received and interviews conducted with members of the victims’ families and eyewitnesses, Pakistani fighter jets carried out attacks on residential areas inside Afghan territory. In Paktia province, the attacks took place in two waves: in the first wave, residential homes were struck, and in the second wave, those who had rushed in to provide aid and rescue people trapped under the rubble were targeted by renewed fire — an act that increased the civilian death toll.
Carrying out attacks on residential areas and inflicting civilian casualties constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime. The targeting of civilians and aid workers specifically violates the principles of distinction, precaution, and necessity under international humanitarian law and the four Geneva Conventions. Under the laws governing armed conflict, parties to a conflict are obligated to distinguish between military and civilian targets and to take all feasible measures to avoid excessive harm — in particular, to minimize harm to civilians.
While extending its condolences and sympathy to the members of the victims’ families, Rawadari condemns last night’s aerial attacks by Pakistani military forces on residential areas in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar, and expresses its deep concern over the continuation of these attacks against civilians. Rawadari further calls on the international community and international bodies to thoroughly document these cases, take immediate action to bring those responsible to justice, and, through deterrent measures, decisively prevent any recurrence of similar attacks.
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