Pakistan Declares 'Open War' with Afghanistan Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated dramatically, with Pakistan's Defence Minister declaring an 'open war' following cross-border attacks. This declaration comes after airstrikes were conducted by Pakistan in response to alleged Afghan aggression. Both nations are reporting conflicting casualty figures, and the situation has led to significant movements of Afghan refugees. As the conflict intensifies, the implications for regional stability remain uncertain. Read on to explore the details of this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 14:36 IST

Escalating Conflict Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Islamabad: On Friday morning, Pakistan's Defence Minister announced that the nation has lost its 'patience' and is now in a state of 'open war' with Afghanistan. This declaration follows a series of strikes initiated by both countries, triggered by what Pakistan claims was an Afghan cross-border attack.

In a statement shared on X, Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif expressed disappointment over the lack of peace in Afghanistan post-NATO withdrawal, anticipating that the Taliban would prioritize the welfare of their citizens and regional stability.

Asif stated, 'Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.' Afghan officials have yet to respond to these remarks.

The situation escalated after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, which Pakistani officials claim were retaliatory actions against Afghan assaults.

This surge in hostilities comes just months after a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and Turkiye.

Both nations have reported conflicting casualty figures, with claims of significant losses on both sides that remain unverified.

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry reported that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, with some bodies allegedly taken into Afghanistan, while also stating that eight Afghan soldiers died and 11 were injured. They claimed to have destroyed 19 Pakistani military posts and two bases, with fighting concluding around midnight after four hours.

Conversely, Pakistan's Information Minister reported two Pakistani soldiers killed and three injured.

Mosharraf Ali Zaidi, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, refuted claims of captured Pakistani soldiers, asserting that at least 133 Afghan fighters were killed and over 200 injured, alongside the destruction of 27 Afghan posts.

In Islamabad, security officials noted that some Afghan forces at border posts displayed white flags, typically signaling a request to cease fire. They indicated that Pakistani forces were continuing their strong retaliatory measures against what they termed 'unprovoked aggression' from the Afghan Taliban.

Asif further accused the Taliban government of violating basic human rights for Afghans, particularly women's rights, without providing specific details.

He emphasized Pakistan's efforts to maintain stability through direct actions and collaboration with friendly nations.

'Today, when attempts were made to target Pakistan with aggression, by the grace of God, our armed forces are giving a decisive response,' he stated.

In light of the clashes, Pakistani authorities have relocated numerous Afghan refugees waiting to return home from the Torkham border to safer areas.

Since October 2023, Pakistan has intensified efforts to expel undocumented migrants, urging voluntary departures to avoid arrests and forced deportations, a move mirrored by Iran.

This crackdown has led to millions crossing back into Afghanistan, including long-term residents who had established lives in Pakistan.

According to the U.N. refugee agency, 2.9 million people returned to Afghanistan last year, with nearly 80,000 having done so this year alone.