Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated into what Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared an ‘open war,’ following a series of retaliatory airstrikes and border clashes. On Friday, Pakistani forces conducted bombings in major Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul and Kandahar, in response to what Islamabad claims was an unprovoked attack by Afghan forces on Pakistani border troops the previous night.
The longstanding dispute centers on Pakistan’s accusation that the Taliban-led Afghan government has failed to curb militant groups operating from its territory that launch attacks inside Pakistan—a charge Kabul vehemently denies. The conflict has intensified over recent months, with border crossings largely shut since October when clashes resulted in over 70 casualties on both sides.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that defense targets in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar were struck, describing the operation as a necessary response to repeated violations. Afghan spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the airstrikes but reported no casualties, while confirming that Afghan forces had launched ‘large-scale offensive operations’ in retaliation.
Civilian impacts are emerging, with an official in Nangarhar province reporting seven wounded returnees at a camp near the Torkham border. Meanwhile, conflicting casualty reports abound: Afghanistan’s defense ministry acknowledged eight soldier fatalities, whereas Pakistan claims significant militant losses.
International mediation efforts, including interventions by Qatar, Turkey, and more recently Saudi Arabia, have thus far failed to secure a durable ceasefire. The situation remains volatile, with both nations trading accusations and military actions, signaling a dangerous deterioration in regional stability.