Deadly Attacks on Afghan University Spark New Tensions Between Pakistan and Taliban

At least seven people have been killed and 75 injured, including students and a professor, in recent attacks on Kunar University in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province. The Taliban government accuses Pakistan of launching the strikes, which reportedly involved mortars, rockets, jets, and drones.

This incident marks a sharp escalation in cross-border violence just weeks after a devastating Pakistani air strike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre killed 269 people. The attacks threaten to unravel a fragile ceasefire brokered through Chinese mediation and raise concerns about renewed hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan government.

Details of the Kunar University Attack

Multiple sources, including Taliban officials, report that the attack on Kunar University involved heavy bombardment with mortars and rockets, as well as aerial strikes by jets and drones. The university campus and surrounding residential areas suffered extensive damage, with 30 students among the injured. Eyewitnesses described terrifying explosions and chaos as people fled the area.

"I heard terrifying explosions across the university campus," said an unnamed professor at Kunar University. Matiullah Shahab, a local journalist, recounted hearing bombardments and seeing civilians rushing to safety.—Unnamed Kunar University Professor and Matiullah Shahab

Pakistan Denies Responsibility Amid Rising Accusations

Pakistan’s information ministry has categorically denied involvement in the attacks, labeling the reports as fake. However, the Taliban government’s deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat condemned the strikes as "grave and inexcusable war crimes" and a "blatant act of brutality," signaling a breakdown in diplomatic silence maintained during recent peace talks.

Context: Cross-Border Violence and Fragile Ceasefire

The Kunar attacks come amid months of deadly cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which has claimed hundreds of lives. A fragile ceasefire, brokered by China and initiated in early April during talks in Urumqi, had largely held until now. During this period, the Taliban refrained from publicly criticizing Pakistan to preserve negotiations.

• Recent Pakistani air strike on Kabul drug rehab centre killed 269 people
• Pakistan accuses Taliban of harboring Pakistan Taliban militants
• Taliban previously backed by Pakistan, but relations have soured
• Pakistan acts as mediator in Iran-US conflict

What Lies Ahead for Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations?

The renewed violence threatens to derail peace efforts and deepen mistrust between the two neighbors. With the Taliban government breaking its silence and openly condemning Pakistan, diplomatic tensions are likely to escalate. Observers warn that without renewed dialogue and restraint, the region could face further instability and civilian suffering.