"Afghanistan-Pakistan relations at its lowest": Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava

New Delhi [India], October 12 (ANI): Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Sunday said that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at their lowest, criticising Pakistan for fueling the conflict with its western neighbour.
"The responsibility for this kind of retaliation done by the Afghan government lies with the Pakistan government. Pakistan had carried out strikes inside Afghanistan, killing several innocent people. It is very clear that the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is at its lowest," Sanjeev Srivastava told ANI.
"Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is on a week-long visit to India, has condemned this attack by Pakistan, and he had ordered this kind of retaliation, which happened. 12 Pakistani soldiers have died in this retaliation by Afghanistan. Pakistan has got a strong response," Srivastava added.
Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) conducted retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line late Saturday night, following repeated violations of Afghanistan's sovereignty and recent airstrikes on its territory, the Afghan Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
In a post on X, the ministry stated, "Tonight, our armed forces conducted a successful retaliatory operation against the centres of Pakistani forces along the Durand Line in response to the repeated violations of Afghanistan's sovereignty by the Pakistani military and airstrikes on Afghanistan's territory. The operation concluded around midnight."
The ministry warned that Afghan forces remain ready to defend the nation's borders against any further attacks. "If the Pakistani side violates Afghanistan's sovereignty again, our armed forces are prepared to defend the country's borders and will respond decisively," the statement added.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the Afghan authorities reported an explosion occured in the capital city of Kabul late on Thursday night, as reported by Dawn.
According to Dawn, the explosion occured near Abdul Haq Square, where a Land Cruiser vehicle was reportedly hit. Afghan media outlet Tolo News cited local residents as saying that the Abdul Haq intersection was closed following the incident, leading to severe traffic congestion in the area.
In a post on X, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabeehullah Mujahid said, "The sound of an explosion was heard in the city of Kabul. However, no one should worry, it is all well and good, the investigation of the incident is underway, no report of any damage has been given so far." (ANI)