Pakistani Opposition Leaders Denounce 'Undeclared War' as Airstrikes in Afghanistan Trigger Rising Pashtun Civilian Casualties

Lawmakers and Pashtun leaders demand an immediate end to Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, citing heavy civilian tolls and lack of parliamentary oversight.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 11:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Amu.tv

A United Front Against Military Escalation

Prominent Pakistani political figures and members of parliament have launched a rare unified challenge to the military’s current operational strategy in Afghanistan. In a joint statement released on Monday, leaders from the National Democratic Movement and various Pashtun political groups called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban. The coalition expressed deep alarm over the use of aerial bombardment by the Pakistan Air Force within populated Afghan territories, arguing that the shift toward high-intensity conflict has failed to achieve security objectives. This domestic pushback highlights a growing rift between the country’s political opposition and the military leadership regarding the conduct of what the signatories termed an "undeclared war."

The Humanitarian Toll on Border Communities

The political leaders highlighted a disturbing trend of civilian casualties resulting from the recent waves of airstrikes, specifically noting the deaths of women and children in residential areas. According to data cited in the statement and corroborated by UN reports, at least 73 civilians were killed and nearly 200 others wounded during the first two weeks of the clashes that began in late February. The signatories argued that the brunt of the violence is being borne by the Pashtun ethnic group residing on both sides of the Durand Line. This focus on ethnic impact underscores the regional sensitivity of the conflict, as the opposition claims that military policies are destabilizing the very communities they are intended to protect.

Criticism of Parliamentary Exclusion in War Decisions

A central grievance in the joint statement is the perceived erosion of democratic oversight regarding the escalation of the conflict. Lawmakers, including Khushhal Khan Kakar and Mehmood Khan Achakzai, expressed grave concern that Pakistan’s parliament has been largely bypassed in the decision-making processes related to these military operations. The signatories warned that allowing military policy to operate without legislative checks increases the risk to civilian lives and undermines the constitutional order. By demanding that the conflict be brought back into the realm of political dialogue, the opposition is challenging the military's unilateral authority over cross-border security measures.