Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a state of “open war” following escalating tensions and military clashes along their shared border. The situation intensified after Pakistan conducted air strikes targeting various locations in Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul, in response to attacks by Taliban forces on Pakistani military positions.
The new round of conflict follows a history of rising tensions that have persisted since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. On Friday, Asif expressed that Islamabad’s “patience had run out,” leading to increased military action against Taliban positions within Afghan territory. These strikes were reported to have occurred early in the morning, prompting retaliatory fire from Afghan forces.
Locations impacted by these strikes included Taliban military sites in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar, with reports indicating the destruction of multiple Taliban installations, including brigade bases and ammunition depots. The Pakistani military claims to have inflicted significant damage, killing numerous Taliban fighters and destroying critical military assets. However, casualty figures from both sides remain conflicting, with Afghanistan reporting significantly lower losses among its forces.
The resurgence of violence between the two nations is rooted in longstanding disputes, particularly over the Durand Line—a border established during colonial times that Afghanistan does not formally recognize. Since the Taliban took power, cross-border tensions have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of harboring and supporting militant groups that conduct attacks across the boundary.
Compounding the complexity of the situation, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for unity among Afghans in defending their homeland against external aggression and criticized Pakistan’s military approach. Conversely, Pakistani officials maintain that the current leadership in Afghanistan is accountable for the violence, urging the Taliban to act decisively against militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which pose a threat to Pakistan’s security.
International reactions have varied, with India condemning Pakistan’s air strikes and calling for restraint, while the United Nations and Russia have urged both countries to resolve their disputes through diplomatic engagement. Notably, the ongoing conflict not only threatens the stability of both nations but also endangers innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
In summary, the tragic unfolding of events between Pakistan and Afghanistan signals a dangerous escalation in hostilities that could have dire consequences for civilian populations and regional stability. It is essential for both nations to pursue dialogue and de-escalation to avoid further conflict. The hope remains that diplomatic efforts can restore peace and foster good neighborly relations amidst this turmoil.