Northwestern Pakistan vows aid for injured Afghans following an earthquake that claimed over 2,200 lives.

A magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province near the Pakistan border on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and approximately 2,200 deaths across five provinces. The disaster has elicited a strong response from the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, which has intensified security measures against militants and expressed sorrow over the loss of life.

The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen a spike in militant attacks, which Pakistani authorities attribute to cross-border militancy emanating from radical groups sheltering in Afghanistan. However, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made it clear that these measures are a stance against the Taliban rather than support for the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Recent military operations have killed militants in the region, showing opposition to the militant presence.

In response to the earthquake, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, visited the Afghan consulate in Peshawar on Friday and directed that an additional 1,000 tents and medicines be sent for the affected people in Afghanistan. He also stated that injured individuals who come to Peshawar for treatment should be provided with every possible facility. The provincial administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has pledged to provide assistance to injured Afghans following the earthquake.

At the request of the Afghan consul general, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister has also requested an additional 1,000 tents and medicines for the affected people in Afghanistan. The Afghan consul general expressed gratitude for the assistance provided.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan share deep cultural roots, with Pashtun tribes straddling both sides of the porous frontier. However, tensions have risen between the two countries in recent years, with Islamabad adopting a tough posture toward Afghanistan after a string of deadly suicide attacks. In 2023, a deportation campaign targeting Afghan refugees was launched.

Local media reports suggest that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration has advocated for more constructive engagement with the Taliban regime amid ongoing security and humanitarian challenges. However, the government has been clear in its opposition to militant groups operating in the region.

Since the earthquake, a number of aftershocks have rattled the region, increasing fears of further destruction. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa urges all affected parties to prioritise humanitarian aid and work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing security challenges in the region.

Northwestern Pakistan vows aid for injured Afghans following an earthquake that claimed over 2,200 lives.