Former US envoy highlights growing rift between Pakistani public and government over Afghan casualties

Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad warns of a widening gap between Pakistan’s government and its people over rising Afghan civilian casualties from airstrikes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 4:33 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Ariana News

Khalilzad Addresses Regional Tensions

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Zalmay Khalilzad addressed the escalating conflict along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Khalilzad emphasized that the military and political strategies currently being pursued by Pakistan’s governing establishment should not be viewed as a reflection of the general population's sentiments. He argued that the recent increase in civilian deaths in Afghanistan has further strained the relationship between the Pakistani people and their leadership.

Widening Gap in Pakistani Governance

The former envoy noted that the "gap" between the Pakistani ruling structure and the citizens it represents appears to be widening significantly. According to Khalilzad, the lack of public support for aggressive cross-border policies suggests a domestic misalignment regarding regional security. This internal friction comes at a time when Pakistan is facing intense international scrutiny over its military operations, which have recently expanded to include heavy airstrikes in Afghan territory.

United Nations Reports on Civilian Toll

Khalilzad’s comments were prompted by a recent report from the United Nations documenting a sharp increase in Afghan civilian casualties. These casualties are linked to a series of Pakistani regime airstrikes conducted over the past week as part of an ongoing border confrontation with Taliban authorities. The UN’s findings have intensified regional tensions and prompted calls from international diplomats for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities to prevent further humanitarian suffering.