Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, warned that Pakistani airstrikes on the Afghan capital Kabul could ignite a wider conflict and urged diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

In a post on the X platform on Saturday, Khalilzad wrote, “Pakistan’s attack on the Afghan capital appears to have failed. The targeted individual may not have even been in Kabul. What will Islamabad do next? Will there be more attacks? Pakistani planes are flying over Kabul breaking the sound barrier. Afghans are preparing to respond. Some leaders are pushing for an immediate response. The likelihood of a wider conflict and instability is increasing.”

The former US diplomat, who mediated the 2020 peace agreement between the US and the Taliban, said, “In times of crisis, diplomacy can save the day.”

He noted that Pakistan’s defense minister and intelligence chief showed interest in visiting Kabul but doubted their intentions.

He wrote, “Does this indicate Pakistan’s desire to negotiate with Afghanistan—or more importantly, with the Pakistan Taliban? I doubt it.”

Khalilzad also criticized Pakistan’s internal political turmoil, linking it to the country’s growing insecurity. He said, “When Imran Khan was leading Pakistan, he engaged in negotiations and a ceasefire was reached. If Imran Khan had not been ousted and imprisoned on fabricated charges, the agreement with the Pakistan Taliban might have progressed, saving thousands of Pakistani lives.”

He added that “it is not too late for Islamabad’s ruling establishment to embrace diplomacy,” but warned he was “not optimistic.” Khalilzad said preventing further escalation requires “pressure and communication with the Pakistani establishment by influential countries to avoid a wider conflict.”

The former US official’s comments came two days after Pakistani fighter jets conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika, reportedly targeting the leader of the Pakistan Taliban, Noor Wali Mehsud. Neither Islamabad nor the Taliban government confirmed the outcome.

The Taliban condemned the airstrikes, describing them as a “violation of Afghan airspace,” while Pakistani officials defended the recent operations, calling them legitimate counterterrorism measures.