Pakistan Afghanistan News: Defense Minister declares ‘open war’ after cross-border strikes

Pakistani defense minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said on Friday that his country had “run out of patience” with Afghanistan and declared the situation “open war” after both countries launched offensives following an Afghan cross-border offensive.

He cited human rights abuses, including women’s rights violations, while accusing the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into “a colony of India” and “exporting terrorism”.

Asif said Pakistan had been seeking regional stability through direct and allied efforts, but the recent attacks on its territory had prompted a decisive military response.

Early Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul and two other provinces; Explosions were reported in the capital, but casualties are unknown.

The attacks follow Afghanistan’s cross-border offensive on Thursday in retaliation for Pakistan’s airstrikes on border areas earlier in the week.

Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistan also targeted Kandahar and Paktia provinces, but did not provide further details on casualties or locations.