ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday dismissed allegations by the Afghan Taliban that its forces targeted civilians in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, linking the claim to cross-border fire that killed civilians in northwestern Pakistan.

The ministry’s Fact Checker account said the claim by the Taliban's Hamdullah Fitrat followed an incident in Bajaur in which nine women and children were killed, prompting local condemnation.

It cited evidence released by the Bajaur District Administration, describing it as showing reckless actions by the Afghan side after repeated failed infiltration attempts by militants. It said Pakistan’s security forces repelled those attempts on the ground.

The post disputed images circulated with the Afghan claim, saying the damage shown is inconsistent with artillery strikes. It pointed to intact roofs and limited structural breakage as evidence of manual or staged damage.

It said the timing of the allegation came after Pakistan released “irrefutable evidence” and after public criticism intensified against the Afghan side.

Kunar province

Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban claims of targeting civilians and infrastructure in Kunar