New Delhi: India has “unequivocally” denounced Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Afghan civilians, terming it an age-old tactic of shifting blame to neighbors for its domestic failures. The December 24 airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province reportedly claimed 51 lives, including women and children. Kabul has called the attack a blatant violation of international principles.

In an official statement, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives. “We unequivocally condemn any attack on civilians. This act of aggression highlights Pakistan’s long-standing practice of blaming others for its internal issues,” Jaiswal remarked, echoing Afghanistan’s strong condemnation of the strikes.

The airstrikes, which targeted suspected Taliban hideouts in Paktika province, have intensified tensions at the border. Taliban officials warned of retaliatory measures, while sporadic clashes were reported between the border forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of National Defence called the strikes a “cowardly act” and vowed to respond appropriately.