The recent cross-border strikes by Pakistan on Afghanistan have escalated tensions. Mortars and missiles fired from Pakistan struck a university and civilian homes in Kunar province on April 28, 2026. The attack killed seven people and wounded at least 85.
The strikes marked the first major attack since peace talks mediated by China earlier in April. Taliban authorities in Afghanistan reported that four people were killed in the attacks. However, Pakistan’s Information Ministry dismissed Afghan reports of targeting a university as a “blatant lie.”
In March, both countries had agreed to a ceasefire during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr after weeks of fighting. Yet, the conflict has displaced approximately 94,000 people overall, according to the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan.
Over one million girls have been denied their right to learn since the Taliban banned girls from secondary education in September 2021. The number of female teachers in basic education has fallen from nearly 73,000 in 2022 to around 66,000 in 2024. By 2030, Afghanistan could lose up to 20,000 women teachers and 5,400 healthcare workers due to ongoing restrictions on education and work for women.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, stated, “Afghanistan cannot afford to lose future teachers, nurses, doctors, midwives and social workers, who sustain essential services.” She added that denying Afghan girls access to secondary education robs an entire nation of its potential.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants that carry out deadly attacks inside Pakistan, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The border between the two nations has remained largely closed since deadly cross-border violence erupted last October.
The heaviest fighting in years was sparked in February after Afghanistan launched an operation against the Pakistani military along the Durand Line. Observers expect further escalation unless diplomatic efforts resume.