UN Rights Chief Urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to Halt Border Fighting

The appeal comes after a surge in violence along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border last week that has resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and large-scale displacement on both sides.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on Pakistan’s military and Afghanistan’s de facto security forces to immediately stop the escalating cross-border hostilities and prioritise protecting civilians caught in the conflict.

The appeal comes after a surge in violence along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border last week that has resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and large-scale displacement on both sides.

“Civilians on both sides of the border are now having to flee from airstrikes, heavy artillery fire, mortar shelling and gunfire,” Türk said. “I plead with all parties to bring an end to the conflict, and to prioritise helping those experiencing extreme hardship.”

Dozens of Civilians Killed in Escalating Violence

According to United Nations figures, 56 Afghan civilians have been killed since the latest escalation began, including 24 children and six women.

Another 129 people have been injured, among them 41 children and 31 women.

The violence has also triggered significant displacement in Afghanistan, where up to 66,000 people have fled their homes due to the fighting.

Across the border in Pakistan, artillery shelling and gunfire have forced communities to evacuate their homes, while civilian infrastructure has also been affected.

At least two schools in Pakistan were reportedly struck, and more than 100 schools have been closed, disrupting education for thousands of students.

Protection of Civilians Must Be Prioritised

The UN Human Rights Chief urged all parties involved to strictly respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians.

He called for prompt, thorough and independent investigations into alleged violations of international law and demanded that the findings be made public.

Türk also stressed that those responsible for unlawful attacks must be held accountable in line with international standards.

Rising Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan

Cross-border violence has already taken a heavy toll in recent years.

In 2025, the United Nations attributed 87 civilian deaths and 518 injuries in Afghanistan to Pakistani military forces, marking the highest annual number of civilian casualties from cross-border attacks since UN monitoring began in 2009.

Since the beginning of 2026, an additional 69 civilians have been killed and 141 injured in Afghanistan.

Millions Already Living in Humanitarian Crisis

The renewed violence is unfolding against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Nearly 22 million people—almost half the country’s population—require humanitarian assistance, including more than 11.6 million children.

The conflict is further obstructing aid delivery to vulnerable communities, worsening already dire conditions.

“As a result of the violence, humanitarian assistance is unable to reach many of those desperately in need. This is piling misery on misery,” Türk said.

Afghan Refugee Crisis Adds Pressure

Tensions have also been heightened by Pakistan’s implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, introduced in September 2023.

Since then, more than 2 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, while nearly another 2 million Afghans remain in Pakistan, many living in precarious conditions and fearing arrest or deportation.

Security Tensions Fuel the Conflict

The recent airstrikes on Afghanistan followed a series of deadly attacks inside Pakistan this year, including:

• An assault on a checkpoint in Bajaur

• Suicide bombings at a Shi’a mosque in Islamabad

• A bombing at a wedding ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan

Pakistani authorities have attributed many of these attacks to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups.

However, the UN warned that retaliatory violence risks worsening instability and civilian suffering.

“The cycle of retaliation and violence only deepens the suffering of the wider population,” Türk said.

Call for Dialogue and De-Escalation

Türk urged both countries to step back from military escalation and pursue diplomatic engagement instead.

“I urge both Afghanistan and Pakistan to de-escalate and address the security issues they each face through dialogue, negotiation and mutual cooperation,” he said.