Pakistan’s Defense Minister Declares ‘Open War’ as Clashes with Taliban Escalate
Fundacion Rapala – Pakistan’s defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban mean “open war,” marking one of the most serious escalations between Islamabad and Kabul in recent years. After days of cross-border shelling and airstrikes, tensions boiled over when Pakistan launched “Operation Righteous Fury.” Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the country’s patience had “run out.” His words signaled more than anger; they reflected deep frustration over mounting security threats. The fighting erupted along the disputed 1,600-mile border that cuts through mountains and desert. Although flare-ups between the two neighbors are not new, this round feels different. Strong rhetoric, expanding airstrikes, and rising casualties now threaten to destabilize an already fragile region.
How the Latest Violence Began
Pakistan’s defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban escalated after Afghanistan’s Taliban forces launched attacks on Pakistani border positions late Thursday night. Kabul claimed the assault responded to earlier Pakistani airstrikes that targeted alleged militant camps and reportedly killed at least 18 people. In retaliation, Pakistan struck locations in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar, a spiritual stronghold of the Taliban leadership. Residents described explosions lighting up the night sky. One woman in Kabul said fear kept her awake until dawn as gunfire echoed across the city. Meanwhile, Pakistani civilians in border districts also reported mortar explosions. Each side accuses the other of provocation, yet independent verification remains difficult due to the region’s remote terrain.
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A History of Fragile Relations
Pakistan’s defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban reflect a complicated relationship shaped by decades of conflict. After the Taliban lost power in 2001, many fighters crossed into Pakistan, where they found shelter and support. However, since the Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2021, Islamabad has faced rising Islamist violence at home. Pakistani officials accuse Afghanistan of harboring militants from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies those allegations. Despite shared cultural and economic ties, mistrust has deepened. A fragile ceasefire last year briefly calmed tensions, but unresolved grievances now push both nations back toward confrontation.
Military Power: A Stark Imbalance
Pakistan’s defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban unfold against a backdrop of clear military disparity. Pakistan commands one of the region’s most powerful armed forces, with around 660,000 active troops supported by advanced aircraft such as F-16s and JF-17 fighter jets. As a nuclear power, it maintains a sophisticated defense system across land, sea, and air. In contrast, the Taliban field fewer than 200,000 fighters and lack a modern air force. However, they compensate with guerrilla tactics refined over decades of asymmetric warfare. Their use of drones and unconventional strategies presents unique challenges. Therefore, while Pakistan holds superior firepower, the Taliban rely on adaptability and experience in irregular combat.
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Civilian Fear on Both Sides of the Border
Pakistan’s defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban highlight not only military tension but also civilian suffering. In Kabul, families described sleepless nights filled with fear and uncertainty. Lights stayed on in apartments as residents waited anxiously for the next blast. Across the border, mortar shells injured civilians, including children. These accounts reveal the human cost behind political declarations. Although leaders frame the conflict in strategic terms, ordinary people bear the consequences. Fear spreads quickly in urban centers where residents worry about further escalation. Each explosion deepens anxiety and erodes hope for stability. In such conditions, rumors flourish and trust fades.
What Could Happen Next?
Pakistan’s defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban could spiral if diplomacy fails. Analysts warn that further retaliation may shift violence into urban areas, increasing the risk of chaos. Both countries have previously relied on mediation from regional actors such as Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Diplomatic channels remain open, yet rhetoric has hardened. Pakistan insists it will act again if Afghanistan does not curb militant activity. Meanwhile, Taliban leaders frame their actions as defensive. The coming weeks will test whether negotiations resume or confrontation intensifies. Regional stability now hinges on restraint, dialogue, and credible security assurances from both sides.