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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan sharply escalated on Friday with both sides exchanging airstrikes and cross-border attacks, raising fears of a prolonged military confrontation.
As per multiple international agencies, the situation along the volatile border has deteriorated into what Pakistan’s Defence Minister described as “open war.”
According to AP, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces early Friday, just hours after Afghan forces launched cross-border attacks on Pakistani troops.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani forces targeted areas in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
AFP journalists near the Torkham border crossing reported hearing gunfire and shelling from both sides, with incoming artillery from the Afghan side beginning around 9:30 a.m. local time.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar posted on X that “Afghan Taliban defence targets were targeted in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar,” confirming Islamabad’s offensive operation.
As per AFP, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared the situation an “open war” between Islamabad and the Taliban-led Afghan government.
“Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you,” Mr. Asif posted on X.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a strong statement, saying the country’s armed forces have the full capability to “crush any aggressive ambitions.” According to AFP, Mr Sharif said the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the strikes as a “befitting response” to what he termed Afghan Taliban aggression.
According to PTI, Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation named “Operation Ghazab lil Haq” late Thursday night (February 26) after alleging that Afghan Taliban forces attacked several Pakistani border posts.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that at least 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 were injured during the operation.
However, the Taliban government presented a different version. As per AFP, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 posts seized, while eight Taliban fighters were killed and 11 wounded. Mujahid also stated that 13 civilians were injured in Nangarhar province.
The Taliban further claimed to have captured more than 15 Pakistani outposts in two hours. However, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denied these claims, stating that no Pakistani posts were captured or damaged.
As per AP, at least three explosions were heard in Kabul early Friday. Aircraft were reportedly heard over the Afghan capital, though there was no immediate confirmation of casualties.
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AFP reported renewed clashes near the key Torkham border crossing, with continued gunfire and shelling throughout the morning.
Amid the escalating violence, Russia and Iran urged both sides to exercise restraint and resolve differences through diplomatic channels.
According to Reuters, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would consider mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan if both parties requested assistance. The RIA news agency quoted the ministry urging an immediate halt to cross-border attacks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X that Tehran is ready to facilitate dialogue and strengthen cooperation between the two neighbouring Muslim nations, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed concern over the cross-border clashes.
His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the UN chief is following the developments closely and urged both sides to resolve differences through diplomacy.
According to Reuters, Pakistan holds a significant military advantage over Afghanistan.
Pakistan has approximately 660,000 active military personnel, including 560,000 in the army, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in the navy.
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The country possesses over 6,000 armoured fighting vehicles, more than 4,600 artillery pieces, 465 combat aircraft, and over 260 helicopters. Pakistan is also a nuclear-armed state with an estimated 170 warheads.
In contrast, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led armed forces are estimated at around 172,000 personnel, with plans to expand to 200,000.
Afghanistan does not have fighter jets or a functional air force and lacks a nuclear arsenal. Its equipment largely includes older Soviet-era tanks, armoured personnel carriers, limited aircraft, and helicopters, many of uncertain operational status.
Relations between the two neighbours have worsened over recent months. According to reports, land border crossings have largely remained shut since deadly clashes in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.
Pakistan has repeatedly claimed that terrorist attacks within its territory have increased since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Afghan authorities, however, deny providing a safe haven to militant groups.
