Nine civilians killed in Afghan Taliban firing in Bajaur

ISLAMABAD: At least nine civilians, including women and children, were killed and 12 more were injured in a series of cross-border firing incidents attributed to Afghan Taliban forces in Bajaur district during March and April, raising questions over the absence of international attention and response to the escalation. According to an official press release issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Bajaur, the casualties occurred across six separate incidents in border areas, where what authorities described as “unprovoked firing” targeted civilian populations. Among those killed were three women, one minor girl, and five minor boys, underscoring the disproportionate impact on non-combatants. The district administration said the injured included seven women, one minor boy, and four men, while several residential structures were also damaged due to shelling and gunfire. The affected areas included border villages in Mamond and Salarzai tehsils, which have historically remained vulnerable to cross-border tensions. Officials stated that local authorities, in coordination with security forces, responded promptly by evacuating the injured, providing immediate medical assistance, and shifting critically wounded individuals to Peshawar for advanced treatment. Relief efforts were also initiated for affected families, while damage assessments were carried out to document losses. The administration noted that residents acknowledged the response of security forces and civil authorities, and expressed support against what they termed continued aggression from across the border. However, the incidents have also triggered criticism over what local officials and sources describe as a lack of international scrutiny. Despite repeated civilian casualties, there has been no significant response from global institutions, including the United Nations or major international human rights organisations. Officials questioned why similar incidents fail to receive global coverage, particularly when involving civilian harm, and called for greater accountability and impartial reporting on cross-border violence affecting Pakistani territory. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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