Afghan social media users react to reported Pakistani strikes on drone sites

A number of comments circulating on Afghan social media platforms have expressed support for Pakistan following reported Pakistani strikes

ISLAMABAD: A number of comments circulating on Afghan social media platforms have expressed support for Pakistan following reported Pakistani strikes on alleged drone launch and storage sites inside Afghanistan on September 23.

Screenshots of comments circulating on social media show users expressing appreciation for Pakistan and criticism of the Afghan Taliban authorities. However, the extent to which the comments represent broader public opinion in Afghanistan could not be independently established.

Among the comments being circulated are messages such as “Long live great Pakistan” and “Thank you Pakistan,” along with other posts appearing to mock the Taliban administration following the reported strikes.

Some of the posts also contained sarcastic remarks about the reported targeting of drone-related facilities. The comments have subsequently been shared widely across social media platforms, generating discussion about public reactions to the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The reported online reaction came a day after Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan had taken action against drone-related targets inside Afghanistan following alleged drone incursions originating from Afghan territory.

According to the minister’s statement, Pakistani authorities had neutralised the intruding drones and subsequently carried out strikes against 10 locations described as drone launch and storage sites.

Tarar said the military action was undertaken in self-defence and described the strikes as deliberate, precise and proportionate. He further stated that the operation was restricted to military targets that Pakistan considered directly connected with attacks against the country.

The developments come amid heightened security concerns along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and continuing allegations by Pakistani authorities regarding militant and drone activity originating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns with Afghan authorities over security threats and has called for action against elements it says are using Afghan soil for activities targeting Pakistan.

Afghan authorities have previously rejected or disputed various allegations made by Pakistan concerning attacks and militant activity, making the issue a continuing source of tension between the two neighbouring countries.

The social media comments circulating after the reported strikes have added another dimension to the ongoing dispute. While some Afghan users appeared to welcome Pakistan’s action, other reactions and the broader public sentiment could not be determined from the screenshots alone.

The viral posts have nevertheless attracted attention in Pakistan, where they are being cited on social media as an indication of dissatisfaction among some Afghan users with the Taliban administration’s handling of relations with Islamabad.

The latest developments follow a period of increasing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over border security, militant activity and cross-border threats.

Security officials in Pakistan maintain that measures taken against threats emerging from Afghan territory are intended to protect national security and prevent attacks inside Pakistan.

The reported strikes and subsequent online reaction are likely to remain part of the wider debate over Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, particularly as both sides face pressure to address security concerns and prevent further escalation along their shared border.