Islamabad: Pakistan’s defense minister declared that the nation has reached a breaking point, describing the situation with Afghanistan as ‘open war’ following reciprocal strikes between the two countries. Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif communicated this stance in a post on X, emphasizing that Pakistan had anticipated peace in Afghanistan post-NATO withdrawal, with the expectation that the Taliban would prioritize Afghan welfare and regional stability. Instead, Asif accused the Taliban of transforming Afghanistan into what he described as a ‘colony of India,’ assembling militants globally, and beginning to ‘export terrorism.’
According to United News of Bangladesh, Asif expressed that Pakistan’s patience has been exhausted, thus marking the current state as open warfare. As of now, Afghan government officials have not publicly responded to Asif’s assertions. Historically, Pakistan has accused India of supporting the Baloch Liberation Army and the Pakistani Taliban, accusations that India categorically denies.
The recent escalation further undermines the fragile Qatar-mediated ceasefire between the neighboring nations. Notably, Asif did not reference the ceasefire in his statements. He also criticized the Taliban government for allegedly denying basic human rights to Afghans, particularly women, under Islamic guarantees, though he did not provide specific details or evidence to support his claims.
Asif highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to maintain regional stability, both independently and through allied countries. In his statement, he affirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are responding decisively to any aggression targeted at the country.
Tensions heightened after Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack in retaliation for Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan border areas. Pakistan responded with airstrikes in Kabul and two other provinces early Friday. While explosions were reported in Kabul, precise details on locations and casualties remain undisclosed. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed airstrikes in Kandahar and Paktia.
Asif also noted Pakistan’s historical role in hosting Afghan refugees, stating that around 5 million have been accommodated over the past five decades. Despite this, Pakistan initiated a crackdown in October 2023 to expel undocumented migrants, urging voluntary departure to avoid forced deportation. This move coincides with a similar crackdown by Iran, resulting in a significant influx of people into Afghanistan, including those born in Pakistan who had established lives there.
The U.N. refugee agency reported that 2.9 million people returned to Afghanistan last year, with nearly 80,000 returning so far this year.