Pakistan Declares 'Open War' on Afghanistan Amid Escalating Conflict

Intensifying Hostilities Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Islamabad: On Friday, Pakistan announced that it is engaged in an 'open war' with Afghanistan, following airstrikes that reportedly killed over 130 Taliban militants in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. This military action was described by Islamabad as a response to cross-border attacks attributed to the Afghan Taliban.

The border between the two nations, known as the Durand Line, stretches 2,611 kilometers and remains unrecognized by Kabul.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on social media, "Our patience has run out. Now there is an open war between us... Now it will be 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar'. We are your neighbors; we know your ins and outs."

These remarks followed a series of strikes by Pakistani forces in Afghanistan, dubbed 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq', which were initiated late Thursday in retaliation for what Pakistan termed 'unprovoked firing' from Afghan territory.

The phrase 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar' is linked to a spiritual song by the Sindhi Sufi saint Lal Shehbaz Qalandar, symbolizing impulsive actions without regard for consequences.

In a statement, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the Afghan forces' counterattacks along the Durand Line, as reported by Tolo News.

The Afghan military also asserted that they captured two military headquarters and 19 posts during these operations.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in discussions with his Turkish and Saudi counterparts regarding the escalating situation.

During his conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar emphasized Pakistan's appropriate response to Afghan aggression, with both leaders stressing the need for regional peace and stability.

In talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Dar addressed recent developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, reaffirming the importance of maintaining peace.

Last year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized a joint defense agreement, pledging mutual support in the event of external attacks.

China and Russia have also expressed their concerns regarding the rising tensions, urging both nations to seek diplomatic resolutions.

China, which has strong ties with both Pakistan and Afghanistan, called for calm and restraint, advocating for dialogue to resolve disputes and achieve a ceasefire to prevent further suffering.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that at least 133 Taliban operatives were killed and over 200 injured during the operations targeting Taliban positions in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar.

He noted that significant military assets, including two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, and numerous tanks and artillery, were destroyed.

State broadcaster PTV News indicated that the Pakistan Air Force focused on key Taliban military sites in the aforementioned regions.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan's military response was appropriate given the Afghan Taliban's aggression.

He condemned the Taliban's nighttime attacks on civilians, asserting that they would face severe repercussions for their actions.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan would not compromise on its peace and territorial integrity.

Zardari emphasized that the military's response would be decisive against any threats, while Prime Minister Shehbaz affirmed the military's capability to thwart aggressive ambitions.

Asif noted that following NATO's withdrawal, there was hope for peace in Afghanistan, but claimed the Taliban had instead aligned with India and fostered terrorism.

He criticized the Taliban for violating the rights of their citizens, particularly women, and accused them of becoming a proxy for India.

Asif concluded by stating that Pakistan had made extensive diplomatic efforts to maintain stability, but would respond decisively to any aggression.

The Afghan Taliban has attributed the escalation of conflict to the Pakistani military's aggressive actions, including airstrikes on Kabul.