Pakistan'S Defence Minister Warns Of Open War With Afghanistan

On February 27, 2026, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared that the country is now in a state of 'open war' with Afghanistan, following a series of escalating military confrontations. Asif stated, "Our patience has run out," in response to what he described as unprovoked attacks from Afghan forces across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border. This declaration comes after Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting Taliban positions in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Reports indicate that Pakistan claims to have killed over 270 Taliban officials while suffering the loss of at least 12 of its own soldiers, although these figures remain unverified (CBC News, BBC News).