Pakistani Defence Minister Says its 'Open War' with Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced on Friday, February 27, 2026, that Islamabad is now in an “open war” with neighbouring Afghanistan, marking a dramatic escalation in the long-running tensions between the two countries.

Asif’s declaration came amid overnight airstrikes by Pakistani forces on multiple Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul and provinces such as Kandahar and Paktia, in response to cross-border attacks by Afghan Taliban-aligned forces, according to government statements and international reporting.

Pakistan’s defence minister said Islamabad had long hoped for peace after the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan, expecting the Taliban-led administration to stabilise its country and focus on domestic welfare. Instead, Asif accused the Taliban government of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan territory and of forging ties with external powers — claims the Taliban deny. “Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you,” Asif posted on social media.

Military Escalation and Casualties

The clashes escalated following reported Afghan attacks on Pakistani border troops, which Islamabad labelled unprovoked aggression. In retaliation, Pakistan launched air assaults targeting what it described as Taliban military posts. Pakistani officials have claimed that over 130 Afghan fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded, while Afghanistan’s government reported 55 Pakistani soldiers killed, two military bases and 19 military posts captured.

Explosions and heavy anti-aircraft fire were heard throughout Kabul in the early hours of Friday, as residents reported shock and fear among civilians. Both sides have engaged in fierce exchanges along the nearly 2,600-kilometre Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier known as the Durand Line.

Political Reactions and Regional Concerns

Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, publicly backed the military response, asserting that the armed forces could “crush any aggressive ambitions” and emphasising national unity amid the crisis.

Internationally, diplomats and world leaders expressed concern over the sudden escalation, urging restraint and calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader conflict. Previous ceasefire efforts brokered by countries like Qatar and Turkey have already weakened in recent weeks, and the latest violence threatens to undo months of negotiation.

Humanitarian Impact and Future Outlook

With air raids striking urban areas and clashes persisting along the border, fears are growing for civilian safety and displacement. Reports of injured civilians and infrastructure damage in Afghan cities have surfaced, although comprehensive independent assessments are still limited.

Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic intervention, the situation could spiral into a more protracted conflict with serious implications for regional stability, refugee flows, and international relations.