Former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, has publicly condemned Pakistan’s overnight airstrikes targeting three eastern provinces of Afghanistan—Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Khalilzad described the strikes as a dangerous escalation of tensions between the two neighboring countries, warning that such actions undermine regional stability and risk reigniting conflict in an already fragile region. He called on both Pakistan and Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban to prioritize dialogue over military force, emphasizing that the only sustainable path forward is through diplomatic engagement and mutual respect for sovereignty. This comes at a time when cross-border relations are at a low point, with the Taliban repeatedly accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace and supporting militant groups. Khalilzad, who played a key role in the US-Taliban peace deal, urged all parties to return to the negotiating table. In my opinion, this condemnation is both justified and necessary—but it also highlights the deep mistrust that persists between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan’s airstrikes, likely aimed at Taliban-aligned militants operating near the border, risk alienating the very government they need to cooperate with for regional security. True long-term peace will require painful compromises and honest dialogue, not unilateral military action.