Tensions have escalated sharply between Pakistan and Afghanistan as\nthe two Muslim nations engage in direct military confrontation. Pakistan\nlaunched bombing raids on the Afghan cities of Kabul and Kandahar on\nFriday, 27 February 2026, following hours of attacks by Afghan forces on\nPakistani border troops.<\/p>\n
Pakistan\u2019s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared the situation to be\n\u201copen war\u201d with Afghanistan, stating on X platform: \u201cThis is now open\nwar between us and you.\u201d Pakistan\u2019s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar\nconfirmed that Taliban positions in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar had been\ntargeted, whilst Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted that armed\nforces had delivered a proportionate response to Taliban aggression.<\/p>\n
Root Causes<\/p>\n
The fundamental dispute originates from the Durand Line, a\n2,670-kilometre border established by Britain in 1893 between\nAfghanistan and British India (now Pakistan). Kabul has never formally\nrecognised this line as an international boundary, as it bisects Pashtun\nethnic territories. Conversely, Islamabad considers the Durand Line\nlegitimate and has constructed fencing and security posts to prevent\ncross-border militant movement.<\/p>\n
Tensions intensified following the Taliban\u2019s return to power in\nAugust 2021. Pakistan had hoped the new Kabul government would help\nsuppress the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group\nresponsible for frequent attacks within Pakistan. However, TTP\noperations have continued unabated. The group, which has waged a long\nconflict with the Pakistani state since the early 2000s due to\nideological differences over Islamic governance, has allegedly found\nshelter in Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses Kabul of permitting this safe\nhaven.<\/p>\n
Armed clashes began occurring at major border crossings including\nChaman-Spin Boldak and Torkham, with gun battles over fence construction\nand checkpoints claiming civilian casualties on both sides.<\/p>\n
Deteriorating Situation<\/p>\n
The situation worsened in 2022 when Pakistan launched airstrikes on\nthe provinces of Khost and Kunar, targeting alleged TTP bases. The\nTaliban condemned these strikes as sovereignty violations, sparking\nprotests across Afghan cities. Border closures disrupted trade and\nstranded thousands of residents. Diplomatic efforts through intelligence\nand military channels failed to produce lasting solutions.<\/p>\n
Deadly Confrontation<\/p>\n
By 2023, direct clashes in the Chaman-Spin Boldak area escalated,\nwith reports of artillery fire and rising casualties amongst Afghan\ncivilians and Pakistani military personnel. Pakistan reiterated\naccusations that the Taliban provided safe haven to the TTP, whilst the\nTaliban accused Pakistan of pursuing military solutions instead of\ndialogue.<\/p>\n
Cross-border trade closures occurred repeatedly. Islamabad tightened\nvisa policies and began deporting illegal Afghan refugees, triggering a\nhumanitarian crisis.<\/p>\n
Widening Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis<\/p>\n
During 2024, the conflict expanded significantly. Pakistan reinforced\nits border military presence and expanded checkpoints, prompting the\nTaliban to deploy forces and armoured vehicles. Cross-border artillery\nfire and surveillance drone usage became commonplace. Thousands of\nvillagers from border regions fled due to violence.<\/p>\n
Pakistan attributed deadly attacks within its territory, including in\nBannu, to Afghan-based operations, whilst the Taliban strongly denied\nthese allegations. Diplomatic relations subsequently froze, with both\nnations recalling their ambassadors.<\/p>\n
Stalemate and Risk of Greater Escalation<\/p>\n
Entering 2025, tensions persist at the Chaman and Torkham crossings\nwith sporadic gunfire continuing. Pakistan maintains strict security\npolicies, including accelerated deportation of Afghan refugees despite\ninternational criticism.<\/p>\n
Regional mediation efforts by China and Iran have not produced\nsignificant breakthroughs. Without stable communication mechanisms, both\nnations remain on high alert, with the risk of wider escalation that\ncould destabilise South Asia.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/chronology-and-causes-of-open-war-between-muslim-nations-pakistan-and-afghanistan-1772182833", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }