Pakistan Declares 'Open War' on Afghanistan

Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, declared an 'open war' with Afghanistan, stating that Pakistan's patience has run out following cross-border attacks. This declaration came after Afghanistan launched attacks into Pakistan, to which Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces. Pakistan accuses the Taliban government of turning Afghanistan into a 'colony of India' and exporting terrorism, while Afghanistan claims its actions were in response to earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Both sides report conflicting casualty figures. This escalation follows a previously mediated ceasefire by Qatar and Turkey, which now appears to have failed. International bodies and nations like the United Nations, Russia, and Iran have called for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution. The conflict also highlights the ongoing issue of Afghan refugees, with millions having returned to Afghanistan following Pakistan's crackdown on undocumented migrants.