Pakistan Declares "Open War" on Taliban: Bombings in Afghanistan and Border Clashes

Tensions between Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan have reached a critical point following a series of bloody border incidents and airstrikes. The government in Islamabad has officially declared a state of "open war" against Taliban forces, marking a radical shift in its previous regional policy. According to official statements from the Pakistani army and government, between 72 and 133 members of Taliban forces were killed in the airstrikes. The airstrikes targeted strategic points in border provinces, as well as targets in the country's capital, Kabul, causing panic among civilians and damaging infrastructure. The situation became even more complicated on Saturday morning when the Afghan defense ministry announced the successful downing of a Pakistani fighter jet. While Islamabad has not officially confirmed the loss of the aircraft, sources in Afghanistan report the capture of a pilot who allegedly ejected over territory controlled by the Taliban. Meanwhile, a series of powerful explosions occurred in the city of Jalalabad, coinciding with intensified infantry clashes along the Durand Line. This line has been a source of conflict for decades, being a border drawn in colonial times that Kabul has never recognized. Relations between Islamabad and the Taliban have deteriorated drastically since the fundamentalists returned to power in 2021. Pakistan accuses Kabul of providing shelter to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, which is waging a terrorist campaign against the Pakistani state.The international response to these events is twofold. The Council of the European Union has called on both sides to immediately cease hostilities and return to dialogue, warning of destabilization across the entire South Asia region. Meanwhile, the United States, through a State Department spokesperson, has sided with Pakistan, emphasizing its right to defend its own territory against attacks by armed groups based in Afghanistan. Durand Line remains the site of the fiercest fighting, where both armies are deploying heavy equipment. Despite aggressive rhetoric, there are signals of possible diplomatic channels opening. Taliban representatives have suggested readiness for negotiations, although Pakistan has simultaneously ruled out any direct dialogue with the current authorities in Kabul until they hand over TTP leaders. Experts indicate that Pakistan miscalculated in its assumptions, expecting Taliban loyalty after years of supporting their rebellion against NATO forces. The current escalation shows that the interests of both sides have become completely divergent, threatening a prolonged conventional conflict with unpredictable consequences for global security. „This is no longer just a counter-terrorism operation; it is an open war against those who violate our sovereignty.” — Pakistani government spokesperson