Restrictions imposed by the Afghan Taliban on media and civilian access to areas affected by Pakistan’s recent airstrikes have raised fresh concerns over the group’s alleged links with militant networks, according to regional sources.
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Pakistan carried out targeted strikes against suspected militant hideouts inside Afghanistan based on what officials described as verified and credible intelligence. However, access to several impacted locations was reportedly restricted, preventing independent verification of damage and casualties.
Reports cited by The South Asia Times said Afghan authorities blocked local media outlets and residents from entering affected regions. State-controlled broadcasts reportedly aired footage only from a destroyed site in the Behsud District, while information about other targeted locations remained limited.
Residents in Paktika Province, Khost Province and Nangarhar Province said Taliban forces sealed off several areas following the strikes. Locals claimed that suspected militants and their families had been residing in these locations for years.
Analysts say the lack of independent media access has fueled speculation that authorities may be concealing the full scale of the operation and its casualties. Experts argue that the restrictions have intensified concerns that Afghanistan continues to serve as a potential safe haven for militant organisations.
The Taliban administration has not issued a detailed public response regarding the allegations, while questions remain over the exact impact and death toll resulting from the airstrikes.
