The Pakistani government stated that recent months of tension have escalated into an "open war with the Taliban." Relations between the two countries deteriorated in autumn 2025 after Islamabad accused the Taliban of inaction against terrorists.
On the night of February 27, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on several cities in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif wrote on social media platform X that after months of armed clashes, tensions between the two neighboring states have turned into an "open war." Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also confirmed that the army struck targets in Kabul, as well as in Paktiya and Kandahar provinces.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the armed forces are capable of thwarting any aggressive intentions. "The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces of Pakistan," he said.
Last week, Pakistan already conducted nighttime airstrikes on Afghanistan. According to the Taliban, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed as a result. Islamabad stated that the strikes targeted suspected militant camps near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and were a response to recent attacks on Pakistani territory.
On February 26, Afghan Taliban reported a "large-scale attack" on border posts and claimed the deaths of "many" Pakistani military personnel. The Pakistani side has so far confirmed the deaths of two soldiers.
In recent months, relations between the Taliban government in Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply deteriorated. Islamabad accuses the neighboring country of failing to take action against armed groups carrying out terrorist attacks on Pakistani territory. The Taliban reject these accusations.
In autumn 2025, Islamabad demanded that Kabul take measures against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan group—an armed organization known as the "Pakistani Taliban," which maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban.
In October, two explosions occurred in Kabul, for which the Taliban blamed Islamabad. After this, Afghan forces opened fire on Pakistani military at border points. In response, the Pakistani army used heavy artillery, tanks, drones, and deployed fighter jets.
Clashes continued until the end of October 2025. Then, with mediation from Qatar and Turkey, the sides agreed to a ceasefire, but further negotiations did not lead to the signing of a peace agreement.
Source: kun.uz