In a stern and unequivocal statement on Friday, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of serving as a proxy force for India, signaling a significant deterioration in relations between the two neighbors. He declared that Pakistan’s patience has reached its limit, describing the current state of affairs as “open war.” This escalation comes amid growing cross-border tensions and recent violent exchanges along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.
Following the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan, there was widespread hope that the Taliban would prioritize peace and stability within the war-torn country. Many observers anticipated that the new regime would focus on rebuilding Afghanistan and fostering regional harmony. However, Khawaja Asif painted a starkly different picture, accusing the Taliban of transforming Afghanistan into an extension of Indian influence. He claimed that the country had become a hub for global terrorist groups and that violence and extremism were being exported beyond its borders.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the severe human rights violations under Taliban rule, emphasizing the deprivation of fundamental freedoms for Afghan citizens. He specifically pointed out the harsh restrictions imposed on women, which he argued were in direct contradiction to the rights granted by Islam. These developments, Asif, have not only destabilized Afghanistan but also posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s security and regional peace.
Pakistan, he asserted, has consistently sought to promote stability through diplomatic channels, engaging both directly and via allied nations. Despite these efforts, the Taliban’s alignment with Indian interests has complicated the situation, leading to increased hostility. As tensions escalated, Pakistan’s military has responded decisively to acts of aggression, particularly those targeting its border regions. The Defence Minister praised the armed forces for their effective countermeasures, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Adding historical context, Khawaja Asif reminded that Pakistan has long played a constructive role in supporting Afghan refugees, having hosted approximately five million Afghans over the past fifty years. Even today, hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals reside and work in Pakistan, contributing to the local economy and society. This humanitarian stance, he suggested, contrasts sharply with the Taliban’s hostile actions against Pakistan.
In a clear warning, the Defence Minister stated that Pakistan’s tolerance has been exhausted and that the country is now engaged in open conflict with the Taliban. He promised decisive military action in response to any further provocations, stressing that Pakistan’s proximity to Afghanistan gives it a deep understanding of the complex realities on the ground.
Coinciding with these developments, Pakistan launched a military operation named ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ late on the night of February 26, 2026. This operation was a direct response to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along multiple points on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border. The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Attaullah Tarar, announced that the retaliatory strikes resulted in the deaths of 133 Taliban fighters and injuries to more than 200 others.
Minister Tarar further revealed that the Pakistani military targeted Taliban-linked defensive positions in key Afghan cities, including Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar. He indicated that the operation was ongoing and that additional casualties could be expected as Pakistani forces continue their offensive. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict, reflecting the heightened tensions and the Pakistani government’s resolve to counter threats emanating from across the border.
