Mumbai, March 18: Afghan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq has condemned Pakistan for its airstrikes in Kabul that resulted in the deaths of 400 people. He expressed his disbelief at the similarities between the attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States and the assaults on his country’s capital.
In a post on his Facebook wall, Naveen stated, “It is difficult to find a difference between the governance of Israel and Pakistan.” His remarks come as several Afghan cricketers have denounced the airstrikes, which have led to numerous civilian casualties.
Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, also condemned the attacks, labeling them as “horrific and deeply concerning.” He expressed solidarity with the Afghan people during this challenging time. “I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties due to Pakistani airstrikes. Targeting civilians, whether intentionally or accidentally, is a war crime. It is particularly alarming to disregard human life during the holy month of Ramadan, as it only promotes division and hatred,” he stated.
Rashid further urged the United Nations and other human rights organizations to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and bring the perpetrators to justice. He reassured his fellow citizens, saying, “We will be okay, and we will rise as a nation, as always. Insha’Allah.”
Another Afghan cricketer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, expressed his sorrow over the loss of innocent lives due to the attacks and questioned how long the world would remain silent on such incidents. He wrote on social media, “During Ramadan, a hospital in Afghanistan was bombed by Pakistan. Where is international law? Where is humanity? How many innocent lives must be lost before the world speaks up?”
Many fans have rallied in support of these cricketers, condemning the civilian killings attributed to Pakistan.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Pakistan claims that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch insurgents operate from Afghan soil, conducting multiple attacks across the border. Conversely, the Afghan Taliban accuses Pakistan of sheltering Islamic State terrorists.
Just months ago, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in various locations in Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of three domestic cricketers. Consequently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew its team from a tri-series scheduled to take place in Pakistan.