Islamabad: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated sharply on Friday after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia and declared what it described as an “open war” against Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a strongly worded post on X, said Islamabad’s patience had run out and accused the Taliban government of sheltering militants.
He said that after the withdrawal of NATO forces, there had been hopes of peace in Afghanistan, but alleged that extremist elements from around the world were being harboured and terrorism exported. He also accused the Taliban of denying basic human rights to their own people.
“As far as we are concerned, it is now an open war,” Asif wrote.
Afghanistan rejects claims
Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid termed the Pakistani military action “cowardly” and said there were no reports of casualties in the airstrikes carried out in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.
The latest flare-up comes amid rising tensions along the Durand Line, the disputed border between the two countries, over cross-border security concerns.
The situation marks one of the most serious escalations between Islamabad and Kabul in recent months, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
