Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen once again after Afghan officials accused Pakistani forces of carrying out deadly airstrikes in the southeastern province of Khost. According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, the bombing took place during the night in the Gurbuz district and struck the home of a local resident named Waliat Khan. The attack killed nine children, including five boys and four girls, along with one woman. Mujahid said the house was completely destroyed. He strongly condemned the strike and called it a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He added that the Afghan authorities would give an appropriate response when they consider it necessary. Mujahid also claimed that Pakistani forces launched additional attacks in the Kunar and Paktika regions, which left several civilians injured. Pakistan has not offered any official comment so far. The timing of the airstrikes has increased concerns because the ceasefire between the two countries is already very fragile. The truce was arranged by Qatar and Turkiye after serious border clashes in October that left many dead on both sides. Negotiations since then have made little progress and both governments continue to accuse each other of failing to meet security demands. The fresh wave of tension comes only a day after a suicide bombing targeted the headquarters of the Federal Constabulary in Peshawar. The attack was claimed by Jamaat ul Ahrar, which is a faction of the Pakistan Taliban also known as TTP. Pakistani officials said the attackers were Afghan nationals. President Asif Zardari accused what he described as foreign backed extremists who he believes operate from within Afghanistan. Earlier this month, another suicide bombing in Islamabad killed at least twelve people. Pakistan said the group responsible was directed by TTP leaders based inside Afghanistan. Kabul rejected the claim and said Pakistan continues to support groups that threaten Afghan security. Relations between the two neighbors have been strained ever since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Pakistan accuses the Taliban government of sheltering TTP fighters. Afghanistan denies this and says Pakistan is violating its territory. With both sides exchanging accusations and violence spreading, hopes for a stable peace appear more uncertain than ever.