Published 60 minutes ago • loading... • Updated 60 minutes ago
Kandahar governor denies hosting militant leaders’ talks on attacks in Pakistan
The governor called Pakistan’s allegation propaganda as officials said the claimed meeting involved three militant groups and offered no evidence.
On Friday, Kandahar Governor Mohammad Shirin Akhund denied Pakistani claims that he hosted senior militant figures, dismissing allegations made Thursday by Pakistani army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif as propaganda.
Pakistan's military recently conducted airstrikes in Helmand and Kunar provinces, citing need to target militants allegedly sheltered by the Afghan Taliban, whom Pakistan has long accused of harboring groups like the TTP.
Afghan officials and the United Nations Mission reported the strikes killed at least 10 civilians, mostly children, prompting United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett to say actions "appear to violate international human rights and humanitarian law."
Sharif offered no evidence to support his allegations regarding the alleged Kandahar meeting, while the governor's office argued Pakistani military circles use "baseless claims" to justify civilian killings and other crimes.
Cross-Border violence persists despite mediation efforts, fueled by Balochistan's long-running insurgency and resource disputes, as the European Union joined the United Nations in urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue.