Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan surged dramatically on Friday after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared the situation an “open war.”
“Our patience has run out. It is now open war between us and you,” Asif said, addressing Afghanistan in unusually blunt remarks following overnight cross-border strikes and mounting battlefield claims from both sides.
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The developments mark one of the most serious flare-ups between the neighbours in recent years.
Airstrikes, Counterattacks and Conflicting Casualty Figures
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities claimed at least 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fighting after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and other Afghan cities.
In contrast, a Pakistani government spokesperson said 133 Taliban fighters were killed, more than 200 wounded, and dozens of posts destroyed or captured.
The losses reported by both sides have not been independently verified.
Afghan local media also reported that air defence units shot down a Pakistani aircraft that allegedly entered Afghan airspace. However, Pakistani officials have not confirmed this claim.
Explosions and aircraft noise were heard in Kabul early Friday. The Taliban said its forces had captured military bases and posts along the disputed Durand Line, a long-standing flashpoint between the two countries.
Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Targeting Cities
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of striking civilian areas.
“The cowardly Pakistani military has carried out airstrikes in certain areas of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia; fortunately, there have been no reported casualties,” Mujahid wrote on X.
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Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense said its retaliatory operation began at 8 pm on Thursday, corresponding to the 9th of Ramadan 1447. The ministry alleged that Pakistani forces had earlier violated Afghan territory, killing women and children.
According to the statement, Afghan forces launched coordinated counterattacks across sectors near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan provinces. The ministry claimed that during a four-hour battle, two Pakistani bases and 19 posts were captured.
It further alleged that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, some captured alive, and equipment seized. Afghan authorities acknowledged eight Taliban fighters killed and 11 injured. They also reported that 13 civilians were injured in a missile strike on a refugee camp in Nangarhar.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Pakistan Rejects Taliban Claims
Pakistan strongly disputed the Afghan figures.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three wounded, while 36 Afghan fighters were reported dead.
In a post on X, he said Pakistan was giving a “strong and effective response” to what he described as unprovoked firing.
Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson comments attributed to officials linked to Shehbaz Sharif’s office denied that any Pakistani soldiers had been captured.
President Asif Ali Zardari also weighed in, stating that Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty.
“Pakistan will not compromise on peace and territorial integrity. Our armed forces’ response is comprehensive and decisive. Those who mistake our peace for weakness will face a strong response — and no one will be beyond reach,” he said.
Fighting Spreads to Torkham Crossing
Clashes extended to the Torkham border crossing, a vital transit point between the two countries.
Afghan authorities began evacuating a nearby refugee camp after several refugees were wounded. On the Pakistani side, residents moved to safer areas as mortars reportedly landed in border villages. No civilian casualties were officially confirmed on the Pakistani side.
Pakistan has expelled hundreds of thousands of migrants since launching a crackdown in October 2023, adding further strain to bilateral relations.
A Border Dispute with Deep Roots
The 2,611-kilometre Durand Line has long been contested, with Afghanistan historically refusing to formally recognise it as an international border.
Deadly clashes in October had already killed soldiers, civilians and suspected militants. Although a Qatari-mediated ceasefire reduced hostilities for a period, sporadic exchanges continued.
The latest escalation signals a sharp deterioration, with both governments trading accusations and sharply differing casualty figures that remain unverified.
