Pakistan Declares ‘Open War’ as Deadly Strikes Intensify Border Conflict with Afghanistan

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated dramatically, with Islamabad declaring it is in a state of “open war” following a series of cross-border airstrikes and heavy fighting along the disputed frontier. The sharp deterioration marks one of the most serious confrontations between the two neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul.

Pakistan’s leadership said the military action was launched in response to what it described as sustained and unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters along the Durand Line, the long-contested border separating the two countries. According to Pakistani officials, more than 130 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and over 200 wounded in the latest wave of strikes. The military also claimed to have destroyed several Taliban posts and captured strategic positions during the operations.

The offensive, reportedly involving air and artillery strikes, targeted multiple locations inside Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities maintain that the strikes were aimed at militant infrastructure and armed positions threatening Pakistan’s security. Officials in Islamabad said the country’s patience had been exhausted after repeated cross-border incursions and attacks allegedly linked to militants operating from Afghan territory.

However, the Taliban administration in Kabul strongly rejected Pakistan’s claims, disputing the casualty figures and accusing Islamabad of targeting civilian areas. Afghan officials countered that their forces inflicted significant losses on Pakistani troops in retaliatory action, alleging dozens of Pakistani soldiers were killed and several captured. These competing narratives remain unverified, with independent confirmation of battlefield losses unavailable.

Clashes have intensified in key border regions, including areas in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Exchanges of heavy artillery fire and small-arms combat have been reported across multiple sectors, forcing residents in border communities to flee or seek shelter. There have also been reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, as shelling and airstrikes impacted populated areas near crossing points. The latest escalation comes amid long-standing friction over security concerns. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban government of harbouring the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for numerous attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied offering sanctuary to anti-Pakistan militants, insisting it does not allow its soil to be used against any country.