Pak declares 'open war' with Afghanistan

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared an 'open war' with Afghanistan following a series of cross-border attacks and military strikes that have escalated tensions between the two countries. Asif accused the Taliban of transforming Afghanistan into a 'colony of India' and exporting terrorism while highlighting human rights abuses, particularly against women. The situation deteriorated after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul and two other provinces in response to an Afghan attack that had targeted Pakistani territory. Asif noted the long history of Pakistan hosting Afghan refugees, with millions currently living in the country, but recent crackdowns on undocumented migrants have led to a significant return of Afghans. The conflict represents one of the most serious escalations in months, with both sides reporting heavy casualties — although figures vary widely and remain unverified. This conflict threatens the fragile ceasefire along their 2,600-km border, as Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a claim the Taliban denies. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the geopolitical implications of such a military engagement in the region.