Pakistan declares ‘open war’ with Afghanistan and vows ‘crushing response’ over Taliban rule

Pakistan has declared what it described as an “open war” against Afghanistan, vowing a “crushing response” after both countries launched overnight strikes in a dramatic escalation of months-long border tensions.

Kabul was rocked by what Afghan officials described as deadly Pakistani airstrikes after Taliban forces allegedly attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday, in what Kabul said was retaliation for earlier cross-border action. A Pakistani spokesperson claimed that about 133 Taliban fighters were killed in the strikes, though the figure has not been independently verified and the full casualty toll remains unclear.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad had “the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions,” adding that Pakistan had “always sought peace” but that its “armed forces will firmly confront any aggression.”

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif struck a more combative tone, declaring: “Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you.” He accused the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into “a colony of India” and alleged Kabul was recruiting militants globally and “exporting terrorism.”

Pakistan said it carried out ground and air operations targeting Taliban positions, headquarters and ammunition depots along the border, including strikes in Kabul, Pakita and Kandahar, the latter the stronghold of the Taliban’s supreme leader, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada.

Following the blasts in Kabul, Taliban forces reportedly launched retaliatory strikes from Kandahar and Helmand provinces. An Afghan spokesperson initially posted on X that fresh attacks had been carried out against Pakistani troops, but later deleted the statement.

One Kabul resident told the BBC the explosions were so intense they initially mistook them for an earthquake. “First, we thought it was an earthquake, because there was an earthquake in Kabul a few days ago. Then we heard a loud explosion,” the resident said.

Iran has since offered to mediate. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran stands ready “to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries.”

The latest confrontation threatens a fragile ceasefire along the 1,615-mile border, which has seen repeated skirmishes and diplomatic strains. The last major escalation in October 2025 required urgent negotiations to prevent further violence.

Islamabad has long accused the Taliban government of harbouring anti-Pakistan militants and enabling attacks inside Pakistan, including a recent mosque bombing in Islamabad. The Taliban has consistently denied the allegations, accusing Pakistan instead of targeting civilians in what it calls unprovoked assaults.

With both sides trading blame and military strikes, the situation marks one of the most serious deteriorations in relations between the two neighbours in recent years.