The Embassy of Iran in Afghanistan, citing Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, has called on doctors worldwide to respond to recent attacks on hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical research institutions in Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces.

The embassy specifically urged Afghan doctors and healthcare staff to support Pezeshkian’s appeal and, in coordination with international organizations, raise the voice of the medical community against what has been described as a blatant attack on humanity.

This appeal aims to emphasize the protection of healthcare facilities and the safeguarding of human health during times of war and crisis.

So far, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not issued any official response regarding this appeal.

At least two children have been killed and nearly 30 civilians injured following continued shelling and drone strikes by Pakistani forces in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the attacks began Wednesday, targeting residential areas across Kunar, Paktika and Khost provinces.

“Since yesterday, Pakistani forces have carried out continuous mortar, rocket and drone attacks,” Fitrat said, adding that most of the casualties were civilians, including children.

In Kunar province, more than 150 mortar and long-range artillery shells struck Sarkano and Manogai districts, injuring two children and damaging property. In the Dosaraki area of Sarkano’s Nawapas region, eight children were wounded and two others killed in shelling.

Additional bombardment continued Thursday, with around 185 artillery rounds hitting Sarkano district and wounding at least 10 more civilians, Fitrat said. A further 178 shells reportedly landed in Manogai, Dangam, Nari and Shultan districts, though no casualties were immediately confirmed.

In Paktika province, a drone strike in Shkin district injured three civilians, while in neighboring Khost, two civilians were wounded in a separate drone strike in Zazi Maidan district.

Afghan officials condemned the attacks, saying civilian areas were deliberately targeted, causing significant harm to local communities.

The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts are underway. According to officials, talks between Afghan and Pakistani representatives began Thursday in Urumqi, China.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Afghan delegation traveled to China at Beijing’s initiative to hold discussions with Pakistani counterparts.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Thursday that at China’s initiative, a mid-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has arrived in the country to hold official talks with the Pakistani side in line with its principled position.

Qahar said in a statement that these talks are set to begin in the city of Urumqi with the mediation of the Chinese government.

According to Balkhi, this process is being carried forward at China’s request and on the basis of mutual respect and constructive engagement with that country.

He added that the Islamic Emirate is participating in these meetings based on a balanced and principled approach, and intends to hold comprehensive and responsible discussions with the other side on good neighborly relations, strengthening trade ties, and the effective management of security issues.

He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate believes diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive understanding can find practical and sustainable solutions to the existing issues between the two countries and help provide a foundation for stability and cooperation in the region.