Pakistan’s Defense Minister announces patience has run out as cross-border conflict intensifies following military strikes.
Pakistan’s Accusations Against Taliban
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja M. Asif stated that after NATO’s withdrawal, peace was expected in Afghanistan, but the Taliban have instead made Afghanistan a “colony of India.” He accused the Taliban of gathering terrorists from around the world and exporting terrorism, while also depriving their citizens of basic human rights and women’s rights granted by Islam.
Cross-Border Escalation
Pakistan claims to have made every effort to maintain normal relations, conducting numerous diplomatic efforts, but accuses the Taliban of becoming “agents of India.” Asif declared that when attempts were made to attack Pakistan, Pakistani forces responded decisively, stating “Our patience has run out. Now we will wage open war with you.”
Airstrikes and Casualties
Pakistani airstrikes occurred in Afghanistan overnight from Thursday to Friday (Polish time), targeting areas including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Afghanistan’s government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported no fatalities. On Sunday morning, Pakistan conducted additional strikes targeting “camps and hideouts” of armed groups responsible for recent attacks, including a bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad.
Diplomatic Tensions
Islamabad emphasized it has repeatedly called on the Taliban government in Afghanistan to prevent armed groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, but Kabul has not taken “any significant actions.” Pakistan’s Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated Pakistan always seeks to maintain peace and stability in the region and “will defend every centimeter of its territory.” Meanwhile, Afghanistan reportedly retaliated against Pakistani military positions along the border on Thursday evening.
