Pakistan Declares War on Afghanistan

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply, following a Taliban attack on multiple Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence declared, “Our patience has ended, we have entered open war with Afghanistan.” Islamabad subsequently launched a retaliatory air operation, targeting positions across the border, extending as far as the Afghan capital, Kabul. Afghan authorities framed the assault as retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes earlier in February that, according to UN data, killed at least 13 civilians. Pakistan maintains these operations targeted militant hideouts responsible for suicide attacks in its cities, not civilians.

The flare-up prompted international calls for de-escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakçi urged both nations to resolve disputes through dialogue and good-neighborly principles. In an early Friday statement, Arakçi emphasized Tehran’s readiness to facilitate constructive talks, deepen mutual understanding, and support collaboration between Kabul and Islamabad. Russia’s Foreign Ministry similarly called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged all parties to reduce tensions.

The 2,640-kilometer Durand Line, drawn by the British Empire in the 1890s, remains a contentious border. While Pakistan recognizes it as an international boundary and has fortified it with fencing, Afghanistan does not formally accept it. Communities on both sides share language, culture, and faith, making the line a persistent source of friction and a flashpoint for military confrontations. Analysts note that cross-border conflicts along this historic fault line have implications for regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and civilian safety.