Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict escalates
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified dramatically following a new wave of cross-border strikes, raising fears of a prolonged and potentially wider conflict in the region.
Pakistani forces launched airstrikes on multiple targets inside Afghanistan, including the Capital Kabul and the southern stronghold of Kandahar, officials confirmed. The strikes
followed reports that Afghan forces had attacked Pakistani border troops late on Thursday night.
The Taliban-led administration in Kabul described the border assault as retaliation for earlier Pakistani air operations that it claims resulted in casualties within Afghan territory. Islamabad, however, insists its actions were aimed at dismantling militant networks allegedly using Afghan soil to stage attacks inside Pakistan.Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif adopted a sharply escalated tone, declaring that Islamabad’s restraint had been exhausted. “Our patience has reached its limit,” he said, characterising the situation as “open war.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinforced that message, stating that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to counter any aggression. He asserted that the military possesses the capability to “crush” hostile designs threatening national security.
Amid the mounting hostilities, attention has shifted to a specialised Taliban formation often referred to as a “suicide squad” — an elite unit reportedly trained for high-risk and complex operations. Security analysts say such units are typically deployed during intense confrontations, signalling the seriousness of the present standoff. If mobilised near volatile border regions, observers warn, the likelihood of further escalation could rise sharply.
The violence has triggered international concern. China has called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing deep concern over the clashes. Beijing said it has been in contact with both sides and is willing to play a constructive role in easing tensions. Chinese diplomatic missions in both countries are reportedly engaging relevant stakeholders to prevent further deterioration.
The Russian foreign ministry has also urged both Kabul and Islamabad to halt attacks and resolve their differences through dialogue, according to state media reports.
Relations between the two neighbours have steadily deteriorated in recent months. Islamabad accuses the Taliban government of failing to act against militant groups that allegedly orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan — a charge Kabul firmly denies. Afghan authorities maintain they do not permit any group to use their territory to threaten other nations.
The disputed frontier between the two countries has long remained a flashpoint, marked by sporadic exchanges of fire, temporary border closures and diplomatic friction. However, the current flare-up represents one of the most serious escalations in recent years.
With rhetoric hardening and military operations continuing, regional stakeholders fear the instability could spill beyond the immediate border areas. As both sides stand firm, diplomatic avenues appear strained, leaving the international community closely watching efforts to prevent the crisis from escalating into a sustained armed conflict.
