21 Soldiers & 200 Taliban Fighters Killed In Border Clashes, Says Pak Army

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, Muttaqi did not specify what those options might entail but said that relations between the two countries should not be undermined by the actions of “a particular circle within the Pakistani military.”

He stressed that the Taliban has no quarrel with the people of Pakistan and that “the door to dialogue remains open.”

Muttaqi claimed that the Taliban had “achieved their objectives” in recent border operations, saying it was now an appropriate time to resolve ongoing tensions through dialogue.

The Taliban foreign minister also rejected Islamabad’s claims that members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are operating inside Afghanistan, describing the allegations as “false.”

The remarks follow a series of deadly cross-border clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces, which have sharply escalated tensions between Kabul and Islamabad in recent days.

The report said that militants opposed to Pakistan were present at the targeted site. It added that the airstrike was part of ongoing operations aimed at eliminating groups accused of launching cross-border attacks into Pakistan.

The Taliban authorities in Kandahar and Kabul have not yet commented on the claims, and there has been no independent confirmation of the reported airstrike.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban government, following a series of deadly clashes and mutual accusations of harbouring militant groups on each other’s territory.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the assaults originated from Afghan territory and targeted several areas, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral and Baramcha. In retaliation, the Pakistani army conducted counter-operations and struck “multiple militant positions,” the statement said.

Sharif vowed that Pakistan would defend its territorial integrity, warning that “no provocation or aggression will go unanswered.” He praised the army’s actions as “professional and courageous” and said the Pakistani people “stand united with their armed forces.”

The latest escalation comes amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with both governments trading accusations of harbouring militants responsible for cross-border attacks.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mujahid claimed that “certain circles” in Pakistan were unhappy with Afghanistan’s improved security and progress in political, economic and social sectors. He said these elements “cannot tolerate Afghanistan’s stability and have therefore resorted to conspiracies.”

According to Mujahid, this “particular circle” operates within Pakistan’s army and has been working to undermine the Taliban administration. He urged Islamabad to reconsider its policies towards Afghanistan, warning that continued interference would harm bilateral relations.

Mujahid also alleged that regional countries were aware of Islamic State (ISIS) safe havens inside Pakistan. He said the group was responsible for attacks on Shias, Sufis and Hindus in Afghanistan, and called on the Pakistani government to hand over ISIS leaders allegedly hiding on its territory.

The remarks come amid growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, with both sides accusing each other of harbouring militant groups that threaten regional security.

Company officials said there will be three round-trip flights per week, on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with return journeys scheduled for the same day.

Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the addition of Kabul is part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand access to regional markets. He said that these flights will open new opportunities for trade, investment and family reunions.

According to the Afghan Business Council, nearly 300,000 Afghan citizens live and work in the United Arab Emirates, which remains one of the main hubs for Afghan migration, trade and business in the Gulf region.

Several UAE-based carriers previously operated flights on the Abu Dhabi–Kabul route before the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.