Pakistan's Defence Minister Declares 'Open War' Against Afghanistan Amid Rising Tensions

Escalating Hostilities Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, has sparked significant online backlash after using the phrase 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar' while announcing what he termed an “open war” against Afghanistan, amid increasing cross-border tensions. In a post on social media, Asif accused the Taliban-led government in Kabul of harboring terrorists and facilitating the spread of terrorism following the exit of NATO forces. He expressed disappointment that the anticipated stability after the Taliban's resurgence has instead led to Afghanistan becoming a haven for extremist factions.

Context of the Statement

The mention of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar,” a popular Sufi devotional chant, quickly became a topic of discussion online, with many critics questioning the appropriateness of the language used in what is effectively a military escalation announcement. Asif stated, “Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you. Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’… Pakistan’s army did not come from across the seas. We are your neighbours; we know your ins and outs. Allahu Akbar.”

Public Reaction and Political Implications

The rhetoric employed by Asif has drawn considerable scrutiny on social media platforms. Numerous users criticized the theatrical nature of his language in light of the serious military situation. One user remarked, "Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, has declared open war while using terms like Dama Dam Mast Qalandar and the religious slogan - Allahu Akbar." Another user commented on the absurdity of the situation, suggesting that the leadership appears clownish and the military seems unserious.

Many social media users felt that invoking “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar” alongside religious slogans during a declaration of war blurred the lines between political messaging and cultural symbolism. The ongoing conflict is set against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Islamabad and the Taliban administration in Kabul.

Response from Afghanistan and Border Tensions

The Taliban government in Afghanistan reacted promptly, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemning the Pakistani airstrikes as a “cowardly” act. Mujahid stated on social media, “The cowardly Pakistani military has carried out airstrikes in certain areas of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia; fortunately, there have been no reported casualties.”

This exchange of hostilities follows rising tensions along the Durand Line, a historically contentious border that has been a source of conflict between the two nations. Pakistan has consistently accused Afghanistan of not doing enough to control the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Afghan officials have dismissed these claims. Furthermore, Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence reported that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory actions along the border, a figure that Islamabad has not confirmed. The contrasting narratives highlight how quickly information and counter-information can influence the conflict landscape, with neither side showing signs of willingness to de-escalate.