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Afghanistan Offers Talks After Pakistan's "Open War" Airstrikes Hit Kabul

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on multiple Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul and Kandahar, leading to significant casualties. Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, declared an "open war" against Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban administration of harboring militants. In response, Afghanistan has stated it is open to negotiations to de-escalate the situation. The strikes follow reciprocal attacks and drone incursions, raising fears of a wider regional military conflict.

Key Points: Pakistan Declares "Open War" on Afghanistan in Airstrikes

  • Pakistan strikes Kabul & Kandahar
  • Defence Minister declares "open war"
  • Afghanistan open to negotiations
  • Accusations of harboring terrorists
  • Border clashes cause casualties
2 min read

Afghanistan open to talks after Pakistan airstrikes major cities

Pakistan launches airstrikes on Afghan cities, declaring "open war." Afghanistan offers talks as tensions escalate with accusations of harboring militants.

"Now it is open war between us and you. - Khawaja Asif"

Kabul, February 28

Afghanistan said it is open to negotiations after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on several major cities, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the two countries in "open war" following months of escalating tensions and reciprocal attacks, as reported by Al Jazeera.

On Friday, Pakistan carried out strikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, and other towns, while fighting continued along the border, with both sides reporting significant casualties.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated, with both sides accusing one another of retaliatory strikes, raising fears of a wider military conflict in the region.

Islamabad declared "open war" on Kabul after carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, further intensifying tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In a post on X, Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, issued a strong statement declaring the "open war" against Afghanistan, stating that Islamabad has lost its patience and accusing the Taliban-led administration of harbouring militants.

"After the withdrawal of NATO forces, it was expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would focus on the interests of the Afghan people and peace in the region...They gathered all the terrorists of the world in Afghanistan and began exporting terrorism. They deprived their own people of basic human rights. They snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women," his post read.

"Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you. Now it will be 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar'. Pakistan's army did not come from across the seas. We are your neighbours; we know your ins and outs. Allahu Akbar," the Pakistani Defence Minister added.

Earlier, Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said that Afghanistan carried out drone attacks on Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera, as per Tolo News.

He also added that anti-drone systems brought down the drones and that there was no loss of life.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The Pakistani minister's statement is incredibly aggressive. "We know your ins and outs" sounds like a threat. While the Taliban's record is terrible, airstrikes on cities will only hurt civilians. A tragic situation for ordinary Afghans who have suffered for decades.
A
Arjun K
Frankly, Pakistan is reaping what it sowed. For years they supported the Taliban as a strategic asset against India. Now that same monster is biting them. Karma is a circle. But innocent lives are lost in this game, which is the real tragedy.
P
Priya S
The reference to 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar' in a war declaration is so bizarre and tone-deaf. Using a beloved Sufi song about spiritual ecstasy to threaten war? Shows the complete breakdown of sensible statecraft. Hope cooler heads in both capitals can de-escalate.
V
Vikram M
India must watch this very carefully but stay out of it directly. Our focus should be on securing our own borders and providing humanitarian aid if needed. The Taliban are no friends of ours, but a chaotic war zone next door is a major security headache.
M
Meera T
The Pakistani minister talking about women's rights under the Taliban is rich irony, considering their own record. That said, Afghanistan saying they are open to talks is a positive sign. Conflict helps no one. The region needs peace and development, not more bombs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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