Afghanistan says 7 killed, 85 injured in Pakistani strikes on university and civilian areas

Afghan officials have reported that mortar and missile strikes fired from Pakistan hit a university and nearby civilian areas in northeastern Afghanistan, killing at least seven people and injuring 85 others. The incident, which occurred on Monday in Kunar province, has triggered sharp diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

According to Afghan authorities, the strikes targeted Asadabad, the provincial capital, along with surrounding districts. The Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University was among the affected locations, where students and staff were reportedly among the injured. Local officials described significant damage to university infrastructure and nearby residential areas.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations, denying that any university was targeted and dismissing Afghan claims as false. The Pakistani information ministry stated that its military actions are “precise and intelligence-based,” and called the reports of civilian targeting “frivolous and fake.”

The strikes mark the first major escalation since China-mediated peace talks held earlier this month between the two sides. The discussions had aimed at de-escalating months of cross-border violence, which had already caused heavy casualties and displacement on both sides.

Afghan officials described the attack as a “war crime” and accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian areas, while Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harbouring militant groups responsible for attacks inside its territory. Both sides continue to trade blame amid ongoing mistrust.

The renewed violence underscores the fragility of recent diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators including China, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Despite earlier agreements to reduce hostilities, sporadic cross-border incidents have continued, raising concerns about a wider escalation.