Pakistan Declares Open Hostilities Against Afghanistan Amid Intensified Border Clashes

Escalation of Cross-Border Conflict

In a significant escalation of ongoing border disputes, Pakistan has announced what it terms an “open war” against Afghanistan, pledging a decisive and overwhelming retaliation following a series of overnight military strikes. Both nations engaged in aggressive operations after months of mounting tensions along their shared 1,615-mile frontier.

Airstrikes and Ground Operations Shake Kabul and Beyond

Afghan authorities reported that Pakistani air raids caused substantial destruction and casualties in Kabul, following Taliban attacks on Pakistani border forces earlier in the week. Islamabad claims these strikes resulted in the deaths of approximately 133 Taliban militants, though independent verification of these figures remains unavailable. The Pakistani military targeted Taliban strongholds, including key sites in Kabul, Pakita, and Kandahar—the latter being the power base of Taliban leader Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada.

Leadership’s Firm Stance and Accusations

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Islamabad’s readiness to counter any hostile moves, asserting the country’s “full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions.” He reiterated Pakistan’s historical preference for peace but warned that its armed forces would respond resolutely to any provocation.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif adopted a more confrontational tone, declaring, “Our patience has run out. This is now an open war between us and Afghanistan.” He accused the Taliban regime of transforming Afghanistan into “an Indian proxy” and alleged that Kabul is actively recruiting militants worldwide to export terrorism into Pakistan.

Retaliatory Strikes and Uncertain Developments

Following the Pakistani bombardments, Taliban forces reportedly launched counterattacks from Kandahar and Helmand provinces. An Afghan government spokesperson initially confirmed fresh assaults on Pakistani troops via social media but subsequently retracted the statement, adding to the confusion surrounding the conflict’s immediate developments.

Residents of Kabul described the explosions as so powerful that they initially mistook them for an earthquake, recalling a recent seismic event in the city. One eyewitness told the BBC, “At first, we thought the ground was shaking again, but then we heard the thunderous blasts.”

Regional Mediation Efforts and Diplomatic Strains

In response to the escalating violence, Iran has stepped forward offering to mediate between the two neighbors. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed Tehran’s willingness to facilitate dialogue aimed at restoring peace and fostering cooperation.

This latest flare-up jeopardizes a fragile ceasefire that has been intermittently maintained along the border, which has witnessed numerous skirmishes and diplomatic tensions over recent years. The previous major confrontation in October 2025 necessitated urgent negotiations to avert a broader conflict.

Historical Context and Ongoing Accusations

Pakistan has long accused the Taliban government of sheltering anti-Pakistan insurgents and enabling attacks within its territory, including a recent deadly bombing at a mosque in Islamabad. The Taliban, in turn, denies these claims and accuses Pakistan of conducting unprovoked assaults against Afghan civilians.

With both sides entrenched in mutual recriminations and military engagements, this confrontation represents one of the most severe deteriorations in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in recent memory, raising concerns about regional stability and security.