The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly criticised Pakistan over recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, describing the act as part of an "old practice" of blaming neighbouring countries for internal challenges. The airstrike killed 46 people, including women and children, in the Paktika region.

Indian officials have condemned the airstrikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s freedom, emphasising the need for diplomatic and cooperative solutions to address security concerns. In response to media questions about the attacks on Afghan civilians, MEA spokeswoman Randhir Jaiswal voiced a concern; saying, "We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost."

On the night of December 24, Pakistani airstrikes struck the Barmal region of Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing at least 46 people, including numerous women and children. Taliban government spokespersons revealed that six additional people, mostly youngsters, were hurt in the operations. The airstrikes hit seven towns, with Laman in particular suffering substantial deaths, including the terrible loss of five members of a single family.

The airstrikes have sparked considerable international condemnation, with several governments urging caution and observance of global standards. Afghanistan's Taliban-led government also criticised the attacks, accusing Pakistan of harming civilians and worsening regional tensions. Afghan officials asked Pakistan to maintain its territorial integrity and settle issues via diplomacy rather than military force.

The attacks triggered tensions along the border. Amidst the cross-border fire exchanges with Afghan forces, one Pakistani paramilitary soldier was killed and seven others injured. This event happened during rallies by hundreds of Afghans over Pakistan's lethal airstrikes.

Security authorities from both countries reported occasional combat, including heavy weaponry, between border forces along the border between Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Afghanistan's Khost province.