India Demands Credible Pakistani Action on Cross-Border Terrorism Amid Afghan Airstrikes

On September 22, 2026, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Pakistan must take “credible action” against cross-border terrorism before the world believes Islamabad’s assurances. The statement followed Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, declaring the armed forces “determined to defeat terrorism” and after Pakistan reported airstrikes on Afghan territory on September 21, 2026.

The HinduNew Indian ExpressPakistan must act against cross-border terrorism before world believes it would do what it says: MEA Hindustan Times

India has repeatedly linked Pakistan’s alleged support for militant groups to attacks on Indian soil, notably the 2022 Pahalgam assault. Islamabad, in turn, has urged the Taliban-run Afghan government to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries used for attacks against Pakistan. The two countries have a history of mutual accusations of harboring militants that launch cross-border attacks.

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• September 21, 2026 – Pakistan announced airstrikes on “terrorist camps and hideouts” in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, claiming 28 militants killed.

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• September 22, 2026 – MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s demand for credible Pakistani action and condemned the Afghan airstrikes.

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• 28 militants reported killed by Pakistan’s security forces (Pakistan’s claim).

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• 3 civilians killed and 4 injured reported by Afghan authorities and confirmed by the United Nations.

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• He also accused Pakistan of “misrepresenting facts and propagating falsehoods” regarding a ruling he described as issued by an “illegally constituted court” rather than the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Hindu

• Pakistan (Military): Field Marshal Asim Munir, during a visit to Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, briefed senior officers on ongoing counter-terrorism operations and affirmed the armed forces’ resolve to defeat terrorism.

New Indian ExpressThe HinduHindustan TimesPakistan must act against cross-border terrorism before world believes it would do what it says: MEA

• Afghanistan/UN: Afghan officials and the United Nations reported civilian casualties from the Pakistani airstrikes, contradicting Pakistan’s claim that only militants were killed.

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• Casualty figures: Pakistan’s statement that 28 terrorists were killed contrasts with Afghan/UN reports of civilian deaths and injuries. No independent verification of the militant death toll has been provided.

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• Arbitration ruling: India characterizes the cited decision as emanating from an “illegally constituted court,” while Pakistan has presented it as a ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Neither side has supplied the full text of the decision, leaving the legal status unresolved.

The Hindu

• “We strongly condemn the attacks from Pakistan. The airstrikes were launched on Afghanistan in its Kunar and Paktika provinces. In these airstrikes, several civilians have been killed. We deeply offer our condolences on the precious lives lost.” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson

Hindustan Times

• “Pakistan has a habit of misrepresenting facts and propagating falsehoods to serve its malicious propaganda,” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson

Pakistan must take credible action on crossborder terror before world believes it: MEA

• “We also reaffirm our steadfast support for Afghanistan, for its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, as also for the welfare and well-being of its people,” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson

Hindustan Times

• “Such instances of aggression against a sovereign neighbor are something that goes against regional peace and security... It is yet another occasion of aggression from the Pakistani side. We also reaffirm our steadfast support for Afghanistan, for its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, as also for the welfare and well-being of its people,” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson

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