On April 28, 2026, mortars and missiles fired from Pakistan struck a university and civilian homes in Kunar province, Afghanistan. This attack killed seven people and wounded at least 85 others.
The strikes mark the first major attack since peace talks mediated by China earlier this month. Taliban authorities confirmed that four people died in these attacks. However, Pakistan’s Information Ministry labeled Afghan reports of targeting a university as a “blatant lie.”
The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan was agreed upon in March during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, following weeks of fighting. Observers noted that this recent escalation could jeopardize fragile peace negotiations.
Over one million girls have been denied their right to learn since the Taliban banned girls from secondary education in September 2021. By 2030, Afghanistan could lose up to 20,000 women teachers and 5,400 healthcare workers due to ongoing restrictions on women’s education and employment.
Key statistics:
- Seven people killed in Kunar province due to the strikes.
- At least 85 people wounded in the attacks.
- Over one million girls denied their right to an education since September 2021.
- The number of female teachers fell from nearly 73,000 in 2022 to around 66,000 in 2024.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, emphasized that losing future teachers and healthcare workers threatens essential services for Afghan communities. Meanwhile, Hamdullah Fitrat, Taliban Deputy Spokesperson, condemned the attacks as “unforgivable war crimes.”
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained largely closed since deadly cross-border violence erupted last October. As tensions rise again, it remains uncertain how this will impact ongoing humanitarian efforts.
