Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have dramatically escalated after Pakistani airstrikes reportedly struck targets in Kabul and several other Afghan provinces—marking one of the most severe confrontations between the two neighbors in recent months.
According to Pakistani authorities, the operation was launched in direct response to what Islamabad called repeated aggressive actions by the Afghan Taliban against Pakistani military outposts near the shared border. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that Pakistan possesses “the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the current situation as an “open war” with the Taliban administration.
The Afghan Taliban confirmed that airstrikes hit Kabul as well as areas in Kandahar and Paktika provinces. Details about casualties and the extent of damage remain unverified and heavily disputed. Taliban spokespeople claimed they conducted successful retaliatory strikes on Pakistani border positions and inflicted significant losses on Pakistani forces—assertions that have not been independently confirmed. Pakistan, meanwhile, stated that its strikes destroyed multiple Taliban hideouts and caused heavy casualties on the opposing side.
The fresh outbreak of violence comes after months of mounting friction and recurring skirmishes along the rugged frontier. Pakistan has repeatedly charged that the Taliban-led government in Kabul is sheltering militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistani territory—an accusation the Taliban consistently denies, maintaining that Afghan soil is not being used to threaten any neighboring country.
The crisis has triggered strong international concern. UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and comply with international humanitarian law, with particular emphasis on protecting civilians. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk joined the call for immediate steps toward de-escalation.
Regional powers are closely following developments. China’s foreign ministry expressed “deep concern” and urged both parties to pursue dialogue and negotiations to prevent further deterioration. Iran has offered to mediate talks between Islamabad and Kabul, while Saudi Arabia reported active diplomatic engagement aimed at lowering tensions.
Military observers point to a stark asymmetry in capabilities: Pakistan maintains one of the most formidable conventional militaries in the region, backed by nuclear weapons, whereas the Taliban primarily rely on light infantry, guerrilla tactics, and asymmetric warfare. Analysts consider it highly unlikely that the Taliban would risk a full-scale conventional conflict, though continued cross-border raids, ambushes, and militant activity remain probable.
Eyewitnesses in Kabul described widespread panic during the strikes, with some residents initially mistaking the ground tremors for an earthquake before explosions and low-flying aircraft became unmistakable. Although the city appeared calmer by morning, both countries remain on high military alert.
The latest violence endangers fragile diplomatic progress brokered by countries such as Turkey and Qatar following a major flare-up in late 2025. Those earlier negotiations produced only a short-lived, informal ceasefire without any comprehensive or lasting agreement.
As blame and counter-blame continue to fly, the danger of further escalation remains acute. With civilian lives in immediate peril and the stability of the wider region at stake, intensified and sustained diplomatic intervention may be the only realistic path to averting a deeper and more destructive confrontation.
