Rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sparked a series of deadly air strikes in recent weeks. The two countries had previously declared a ceasefire in October 2025 − after attacks along their shared border that killed dozens of people on both sides.
Now, several hundred people have been killed and many more injured in new attacks – including soldiers, government officials and civilians.
Most recently, over 400 people were killed in a Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, according to the Taliban. Pakistani officials deny this and claim they bombed a militant camp, not a hospital.
With both sides providing different accounts of who is being targeted and why, it is hard to know exactly how many civilians are being harmed by this violence. What we do know is that the Pakistani defence minister declared an “open war” against Afghanistan. Several countries have called for a ceasefire, including neighbouring China and Russia.
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At least 20,000 people have been forced from their homes in the last few weeks, and millions of Afghan refugees seeking safety in Pakistan are now at risk of being deported. There has been a sharp increase in police raids, arrests and deportations for Afghans across Pakistan.
Many of those targeted are journalists or political activists who fled Taliban rule due to speaking out against the regime – returning to Afghanistan could put their lives in danger.
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Peace Direct has multiple partners in the region who are defending human rights and providing direct, lifesaving support to communities on both sides of the border.
Local peacebuilders are a lifeline during times of crises. They are the first responders. With existing relationships with their communities and a deep understanding of the impact of conflicts, they can reach areas and neighbourhoods that non-local people cannot.
These attacks are yet more proof that peace cannot be created in boardrooms by world leaders. In the face of these attacks, we are grateful to local peacebuilders in the region for their continuous efforts to keep communities safe and protect their freedoms.
Donating is the fastest way you can support peacebuilders in Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the world today. Please share their stories to help shine a light on this lifesaving work.
