UN concerned over Pak-Afghan border violence, appeals for restraint!

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, reiterated his concerns about the escalating clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which have left large numbers of civilians dead and displaced. He supported the concerns of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Bennett called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and fully comply with international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). He stressed that dialogue is the only durable solution.

“I share UNAMA’s deep concern about the escalating hostilities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which has caused massive civilian casualties and displacement. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and respect IHRL and IHL. Dialogue is the only sustainable path forward,” Bennett said in a post on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, UNAMA also reiterated its appeal for an immediate end to cross-border clashes. The mission documented at least 146 civilian casualties in Afghanistan between 26 February and 2 March, including 42 killed and 104 injured, including women and children.

UNAMA said these civilian casualties were caused by indirect fire from cross-border clashes, which caused damage to residential areas in Paktya, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kunar and Khost provinces. In addition, casualties were also caused by airstrikes in Paktika and Nangarhar provinces.

Citing preliminary data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNAMA estimated that about 16,400 families have been displaced in Paktya, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kunar and Khost provinces following the clashes.

The mission also said hundreds of families still displaced following the August 2025 Kunar earthquake have been advised to leave the area as a precautionary measure and return to their native places or stay with relatives.

“Restrictions on movement across the border due to active conflict have reduced the ability of humanitarian agencies and partners to deliver life-saving and other assistance to the most affected areas, making Afghans returning from Pakistan particularly vulnerable,” UNAMA said.

It said the World Food Program had halted its activities in the affected areas, and the suspension of food distribution had affected about 160,000 people. Many Afghan provinces affected by the fighting are facing severe malnutrition.

UNAMA said these hostilities have worsened Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian situation. The Mission appealed to all parties to abide by their responsibilities under international law, especially international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians.