Pakistan Declares Hostilities Against Afghanistan Amid Escalating Tensions

On Friday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced a “war” on Afghanistan, warning of “chaos and reckoning” following drone strikes launched by the Taliban against Pakistani targets. “Our patience has run out, and an all-out war has now commenced between us and you,” Asif stated, expressing his frustration on social media.

Asif accused the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into a “colony of India,” claiming they have invited terrorists from around the world and started exporting terrorism. He characterized the Taliban’s governance as a violation of human rights, specifically citing women’s rights under Islam.

He pointed out that Pakistan has tried to stabilize the situation through various channels, including diplomatic efforts. “The Taliban have become proxies of India,” he claimed, adding that during the long period of U.S. occupation, the Taliban had been less effective against Pakistani forces than against their Western counterparts.

“Our army isn’t far away. We are your neighbors, and we understand your every corner,” he remarked, further intensifying the rhetoric.

Clashes between Pakistani and Taliban forces have been ongoing since the Taliban regained power in 2021, shortly after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Pakistan has raised concerns about Taliban harboring extremists aiming to destabilize its government, suggesting these militants are equipped with leftover American military gear.

Historically, Pakistan had supported the Taliban when they were insurgents opposing U.S. forces, but relations soured when the Taliban refused to cease their support for militants targeting Pakistan.

Asif’s remarks reflect Pakistan’s unease regarding India’s diplomatic efforts with the Taliban, which could indirectly bring India and Bangladesh—Pakistan’s former territory—closer together.

Recently, the Taliban accused Pakistani intelligence of backing anti-Taliban rebels, asserting that thousands of foreign fighters, including those from Pakistan, are training as suicide bombers in Afghanistan. This claim has found some support among foreign observers.

After a period of exchanges of gunfire in 2025, a temporary ceasefire brokered by Türkiye and Qatar fell apart within a month, leading to renewed hostilities.

In response to increasing tensions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan was conducting “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistan due to repeated border violations. Weeks later, Pakistan claimed “counterattacks” on Afghan cities, which they dubbed “Operation Outrage for Truth.”

Both sides reported significant damage to each other’s territories but denied each other’s claims of heavy casualties. This escalation follows Pakistan’s airstrikes on Kabul, where loud explosions were noted, as well as smoke rising from affected areas.

Mujahid stated that “the dastardly Pakistani army” targeted specific areas in Kabul and other provinces but, fortunately, had not inflicted casualties. Conversely, Pakistan refuted claims that dozens of its soldiers had been killed or that Afghan forces had taken control of military outposts.

State media in Pakistan claimed their airstrikes had significantly damaged Taliban assets, including their brigade headquarters and several outposts.

Later, Pakistan’s foreign ministry seemed to soften the bellicose tone, emphasizing that any further provocations from the Taliban would be met with a “measured and appropriate response.”