Airstrike in Paktika Kills 3 Afghan Cricketers, Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Series
An airstrike carried out in Paktika, a border province in Afghanistan, has killed three national cricketers and five civilians, triggering sharp condemnation from Afghan authorities. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the deaths, identifying the players as Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon.
According to the ACB, the cricketers were traveling from Urgun to Sharana in preparation for a tri-nation cricket series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for next month. Following the incident, Afghanistan has officially withdrawn from the series, citing the attack as a “cowardly act” by the Pakistani regime.
No further details were released by the ACB at this time.
Pakistan Accused of Violating Ceasefire
Reports from local sources and statements by Taliban officials claim that the Pakistani military targeted residential areas in Urgun and Barmal districts of Paktika. The alleged airstrikes are said to have violated a temporary ceasefire agreed upon just days earlier.
These strikes occurred shortly after media reports suggested an extension of the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. Over the past week, border clashes have left several soldiers and civilians dead on both sides, prompting a 48-hour truce, which was later reportedly extended.
Pakistan’s Harsh Stance Against Afghanistan
In a separate statement, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Islamabad can no longer maintain its previous relationship with Kabul. He emphasized that Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan must return to their homeland, stating that Pakistan’s land and resources are for its own 250 million citizens.
Asif issued a stern warning: “Terrorism targeting Pakistan will not go unanswered, no matter where it originates.” He also announced a policy shift, saying there will be no more peace delegations or diplomatic protests, but rather direct action.
He further accused Afghanistan of becoming a proxy for India, alleging collusion between New Delhi and the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to destabilize Pakistan.