Pakistan's Defense Minister Declares Open Conflict with Afghanistan

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.