Pakistan has launched air strikes on two Afghan provinces, with Islamabad claiming it targeted armed group positions and Kabul saying the attacks killed at least nine women and children.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information announced the strikes on Thursday, saying they hit "camps and hideouts" used by armed groups in two locations and killed an estimated 22 fighters.

Afghanistan's government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes took place late on Wednesday. He said at least nine people were killed and 11 others wounded.

In a post on X, Mujahid said the attacks struck northeastern Kunar and southern Helmand provinces, destroying three houses.

"We condemn this act and consider it an aggression and crime against all accepted principles," he wrote.

The Afghan government accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes. Kabul said those killed and wounded were women and children.

The strikes come amid an escalation in fighting between the two neighbouring countries following three months of relative calm.

Islamabad has accused Kabul of harbouring armed groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which it says carry out cross-border attacks on Pakistani territory. The Afghan government denies the charge.

The casualty figures from both sides could not be independently verified.