The latest tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated into what Pakistani officials are calling an “open war” following a massive breakdown in diplomatic and border security coordination. The long-standing conflict is at its most volatile point in decades, marked by large-scale airstrikes, ground offensives, and the indefinite closure of major border crossings.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared an “open war” on the Taliban administration. The escalation began when Pakistan bombarded Kabul and Kandahar on Friday (February 27), hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops in what the Taliban government claimed was retaliation for deadly attacks earlier this week.
As the Pakistani military launched Operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ against Afghanistan, Khawaja Asif shared on X, “Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you.”
Pakistan – Afghanistan tensionTensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated following deadly border clashes and a series of tit-for-tat strikes, despite UN calls for diplomacy.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has encouraged both sides to safeguard civilians in accordance with international law and “to continue to seek to resolve any differences through diplomacy,” according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
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Relations between the two countries soured following bombings in Kabul that Afghan leaders attributed to Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to launch retaliatory strikes against militant targets within Afghan borders.
While a ceasefire brokered by Qatar has generally remained in effect, border clashes continue to occur. Despite multiple diplomatic attempts in November, the two nations were unable to reach a formal peace settlement.
While Pakistan reported killing militants in recent border actions, Afghanistan accused them of killing civilians and violating its airspace and sovereignty.
What’s behind the latest Pak-Afghan conflict
This week, tensions heated up again. Recent escalations have severely threatened a fragile ceasefire established after deadly October border clashes, marking the most significant combat since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
Although Pakistan initially celebrated the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, the relationship has soured due to a lack of cooperation. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of providing a safe haven for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership and Baloch separatist insurgents, as per Reuters.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, a global monitoring organisation, militant activity from the TTP and Baloch separatists has risen steadily since 2022.
While Kabul maintains that it does not permit militants to operate from its soil to target Pakistan, the region remains unstable, with frequent clashes and border shutdowns continuing to hamper trade and travel across the frontier, despite the fragile ceasefire.
Timeline of Pakistan Afghanistan conflict
Since 1947, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have been defined by persistent mutual distrust, bordering on hostility, with conflict stemming from disputes over the Durand Line and competing geopolitical interests. Pakistan has consistently supported Afghan resistance groups, including during the Soviet Union (1979-1989) war and the United States (2001-2021) war.
Read more: Afghanistan Pakistan War Live Updates
Afghanistan and Pakistan are divided over a variety of issues, including Afghanistan’s unwillingness to acknowledge the Durand Line as the international boundary, control over transit and trade, and societal inconsistencies notwithstanding Islamic beliefs.
Furthermore, the “gratitude gap” and the shadow of Indian influence have created a cycle of recrimination, with modern tensions heightened by the Taliban’s refusal to accept the border and the rise of TTP.
1893: The Durand Line was established by Sir Mortimer Durand. Afghan ruler Amir Abdul Rehman Khan is compelled to accept this division of Pashtun tribal lands, a move Afghans view as a “historical wound.”
1947: Pakistan gains independence and claims the Durand Line as its permanent international border. Afghanistan rejects this, demanding that Pashtun lands revert to Afghan sovereignty, and becomes the only nation to oppose Pakistan’s UN entry.
1949–1960: Afghanistan maintains a policy of non-recognition of the border, leading to periodic skirmishes.
1961: Hostilities peak under PM Daud Khan, who supports the “Pashtunistan” cause. Pakistan closes the land border, forcing Afghanistan into a closer dependency on the Soviet Union.
1973: Daud Khan deposes the monarchy and revives Pashtunistan, but abandons it because Pakistan responds by fomenting internal trouble and again closing transit routes.
1976: A brief normalisation occurs between Daud and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, though the border issue remains unresolved.
Read more: Pakistan declares ‘open war’ with Afghanistan’s Taliban; bombs Kabul, Kandahar
1979–1989: The Soviet–Afghan War took place in Afghanistan from December 1979 to February 1989, when the Soviet Union “assumed complete military and political control of Kabul and large portions of the country.”
1992: The government of Najibullah collapses, leading to a brutal civil war between the erstwhile Mujahideen and the Taliban.
1994–1996: The Taliban emerges. With Pakistan’s assistance, they swiftly took over Kabul in 1996.
2001: The US invades. The Taliban are ousted and flee into Pakistan.
2021: The US withdraws in August. Pakistan reportedly aided the Taliban to defeat its opponents.
2024-2025: Border clashes intensify. Pakistan reportedly conducted airstrikes in Paktika, Khost, Nangarhar and Kunar.
2025: In October, Pakistan launches “Operation Khyber Storm.” The Taliban retaliates by targeting dozens of Pakistani border posts, effectively ending the era of proxy cooperation.
2026: In February, after massive Pakistani airstrikes killed over 80 militants, the Taliban launches a large-scale offensive, reportedly capturing 19 outposts. On February 27, Pakistan formally declares “open war” and initiates “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” targeting major Afghan cities.
