Islamabad: Pakistan has announced that it conducted airstrikes on seven militant camps along its border with Afghanistan, targeting groups based in Afghanistan that it blames for a series of recent suicide attacks, with civilian casualties reported.

The strikes, which took place over the weekend, are in response to three bombings since the beginning of Ramadan, including a suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the airstrikes were aimed at the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates, as well as an Islamic State (ISIS) faction operating in the region. However, the ministry did not provide specific details on the locations of the strikes.

Afghan authorities quickly condemned the attacks, with government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claiming on social media that Pakistani forces had bombed civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing and injuring dozens, including women and children.

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Pakistan's Ministry of Information defended the strikes, stating they were "intelligence-based" and necessary to protect its citizens from escalating threats. The attacks follow a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 40 people and wounded over 160, claimed by ISIS.

Islamabad has long accused the Taliban government in Kabul of failing to act against militant groups operating from Afghan soil, despite repeated requests. In its statement, Pakistan called on the international community to pressure Kabul to honour its commitments under the Doha Agreement, which includes pledges not to support hostile actions against other countries.

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul in 2021, with ongoing border clashes and diplomatic deadlock. The situation remains volatile, with recent ceasefire agreements brokered by Qatar and Turkey failing to bring about a lasting resolution.

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The dispute is largely centred around security issues, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of sheltering groups like the TTP, which launch cross-border attacks. The Taliban government in Kabul denies these allegations, adding further strain to the relationship.