Conflict Escalation: Pakistan Bombs Afghanistan and Declares State of Open War

Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have reached a critical point following a series of massive airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on its neighbor's territory. Pakistani armed forces struck key targets in several Afghan provinces, including direct bombardments of the country's capital, Kabul. The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that the country's years-long patience with the Taliban government has run out, and that further tolerance of terrorist bases on Afghan territory is impossible. Official reports indicate that over 300 people have been killed in the operation, whom Islamabad identifies as members of Afghan armed forces and fighters from terrorist groups. This move represents a drastic departure from the previous, complicated policy of support that Pakistan had maintained towards the Taliban for decades. Relations between the two states have been tense since the partition of British India in 1947, primarily due to the dispute over the Durand Line, which constitutes a state border unrecognized by Kabul, running through Pashtun territories.The diplomatic situation is extremely dynamic. The United States, through a State Department spokesperson, confirmed support for Pakistan's "right to self-defense," while simultaneously calling on the governments of both countries to minimize civilian casualties. The European Union has taken a starkly different position, expressing deep concern over the escalation and demanding an immediate cessation of military actions. Faced with growing isolation in the region, the Taliban, who initially threatened retaliation, have changed their rhetoric and signaled readiness to engage in peace talks. Pakistan, however, has firmly rejected this proposal, stating that the time for dialogue has passed until Afghanistan dismantles the structures of TTP on its territory. „Our patience has run out. Every attack on a Pakistani citizen will meet with a devastating response at the source of the aggression.” — Shehbaz SharifThe crisis is causing immense concern among regional powers. China, a key investor in Pakistan, fears destabilization of the economic corridor, while Iran has put forward a mediation proposal, attempting to prevent the outbreak of a full-scale conflict in the Middle East and Central Asia. Many European countries, including Italy, have issued advisories for their citizens to immediately leave Kabul. Experts point out that Pakistan may have miscalculated the Taliban's loyalty after their takeover of power in 2021, leading to a strategic error resulting in the current escalation.