Fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified dramatically, with Islamabad declaring what it described as “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government following hours of cross-border strikes and retaliatory fire. Explosions were reported in Kabul and other Afghan cities overnight, while heavy exchanges of fire continued along key border crossings including Torkham and Chaman.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the military operation inside Afghanistan is ongoing, framing the escalation as a response to attacks originating from Afghan territory. Pakistani officials claim hundreds of Afghan fighters have been killed and dozens of military posts destroyed. Afghan authorities, in turn, say Pakistani soldiers have also been killed and border outposts seized. These figures have not been independently verified.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that air strikes targeted Afghan “military installations” and insisted that civilian areas such as Kabul’s Green Zone were not attacked. Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani condemned the strikes, calling Pakistan’s actions shameful and warning that broader mobilisation could follow if tensions continue to rise.
The violence marks a collapse of an uneasy ceasefire reached after previous clashes in 2025. Talks reportedly mediated by Qatar and later discussed in Turkiye stalled amid mutual accusations of supporting armed groups. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of harbouring fighters who conduct attacks inside Pakistani territory. Afghan officials deny backing such groups and accuse Islamabad of aggression.
International concern is mounting. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to resolve differences through diplomacy. Iran, Iraq and Turkiye have also appealed for restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilise the wider region and trigger displacement across borders.
Analysts note that tensions between the two neighbours have been simmering for years, centred on disputes along the Durand Line and accusations of cross-border militancy. The latest exchange appears to be the most direct and publicly declared confrontation between the two governments since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
As both militaries remain on high alert and drone activity has reportedly been restricted inside Pakistan, the situation remains fluid. Diplomatic channels are still active behind the scenes, but with both sides exchanging heavy accusations and military claims, the risk of a prolonged conflict has significantly increased.
