Pakistan's Defense Minister Declares Open Conflict with Afghanistan

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated as Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declares a state of open conflict. Following cross-border attacks, Asif criticized the Taliban's failure to maintain peace after NATO's withdrawal. His remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire that seems to be deteriorating. This situation raises concerns about regional stability and the future of relations between the two nations. Read on to explore the implications of this declaration and the ongoing conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 11:00 IST

Rising Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Defense Minister of Pakistan, has expressed that the country's patience has reached its limit, indicating a state of 'open war' against Afghanistan. This statement follows retaliatory actions from both nations after cross-border attacks originating from Afghanistan.

In a post on 'X', the minister stated, 'Pakistan had hoped for peace in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of NATO forces, expecting the Taliban to focus on the welfare of the Afghan people and regional stability...'. He emphasized, 'Our patience has now run out. We are in a state of open conflict.'

The recent surge in attacks between the neighboring countries appears to undermine the ceasefire that was brokered with the mediation of Qatar. However, the Pakistani Defense Minister did not reference the ceasefire in his remarks.