Allegations circulating in sections of Afghan media and among certain officials regarding repeated, unacknowledged Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar province have been assessed and found to be unverified and misleading, according to an official fact-check released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The claims, which refer to so-called “phantom strikes,” suggest that Pakistan has carried out covert attacks on civilian areas without acknowledgment. However, officials say these assertions are not supported by credible or independently verifiable evidence.
The Claim
Afghan media reports and statements from some officials allege that Pakistani forces have conducted a series of undisclosed cross-border strikes in Kunar province, reportedly causing damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Facts
According to the Ministry’s fact-check:
- No Independent Verification: There is no reliable evidence to substantiate claims of recent unacknowledged strikes as described in these reports.
- No Official Confirmation: Pakistani authorities have not conducted or concealed any such operations matching the descriptions provided in the allegations.
- Recurring Narrative Pattern: Similar claims have surfaced previously without proof, indicating a pattern of repetition rather than verified reporting.
Official Response
The Ministry described the allegations as part of a broader disinformation trend, stating that the continued circulation of such narratives reflects an attempt to mislead audiences and shape perceptions.
Officials further noted that the amplification of these claims by external commentators suggests coordinated dissemination, potentially aimed at influencing regional discourse.
Pakistan’s Position
Reaffirming its stance, Pakistan maintains that any military operations targeting militant infrastructure are:
- Intelligence-based and precise
- Conducted in accordance with international norms
- Publicly acknowledged through official channels
The Ministry emphasized that under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, any action against militant networks based in Afghanistan would be clearly declared, fully owned by the state, and supported with evidence.
Conclusion
The fact-check concludes that the narrative of “phantom strikes” in Kunar province lacks factual basis and appears to be part of a recurring pattern of unverified reporting. Authorities have urged media outlets to uphold journalistic standards by ensuring accuracy, verification, and responsible dissemination of information.
