Pakistan officially declared an open war against Afghanistan after the Taliban administration captured several Pakistani soldiers during cross-border battles. Consequently, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that national patience has reached its limit during this intense regional crisis. Furthermore, this declaration follows years of growing tension along the shared border between the two neighbouring South Asian nations.
The Pakistani military launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq late Thursday night to target several major Afghan cities immediately. Specifically, airstrikes hit Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia in response to alleged attacks on Pakistani border troops yesterday. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that at least 133 Taliban fighters died during these precise military strikes. However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the strikes but stated that no casualties occurred on their side.
Global Powers Call for Immediate Restraint
China, Russia, and Iran expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border this Friday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is currently mediating the conflict through its own diplomatic channels.
Similarly, Russia urged both parties to halt cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through peaceful, diplomatic means. Iran’s Foreign Minister also offered assistance to facilitate dialogue during the holy month of Ramadan to restore regional peace.
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Comparing Military Strength and Capabilities
The Afghan Taliban’s military capability is currently declining due to a lack of international recognition and modern equipment. Currently, the group maintains approximately 172,000 active personnel, which is significantly thinner compared to the strength of Pakistan’s military.
While the Taliban possesses Soviet-era tanks and armoured vehicles, they have no fighter jets or a functioning air force. Therefore, the group remains vulnerable to the advanced aerial capabilities that Pakistan demonstrated during recent retaliatory operations.
On the ground, Pakistan possesses an impressive collection of heavy weaponry for large-scale land operations. For instance, the military operates more than 6,000 armoured fighting vehicles across various terrains. Additionally, they maintain a formidable arsenal of over 4,600 artillery pieces for long-range combat situations. The Pakistan Air Force operates a massive fleet consisting of 465 advanced combat aircraft for diverse missions. Moreover, they manage over 260 helicopters, including attack, transport, and multi-role models for support. This aerial strength ensures effective control over regional skies during modern warfare scenarios. These units are currently undergoing continuous technological upgrades to maintain a competitive edge.
Therefore, the air force remains a vital component of Pakistan’s overall national defense strategy. Most importantly, Pakistan is a recognized nuclear-armed power with a stockpile of 170 operational warheads. In contrast, Afghanistan does not possess any nuclear weapons in its current military arsenal. This disparity creates a significant imbalance in strategic deterrence between the two neighboring nations.
Expert Q&A: Navigating the Regional Crisis
Q: What triggered the official declaration of war by Pakistan?
Pakistan declared war after Taliban forces allegedly killed and captured several Pakistani soldiers during a violent cross-border offensive.
Q: How is the international community responding to the airstrikes?
China, Russia, and Iran are actively offering mediation services to cool the situation and prevent further military escalation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Operation Ghazab lil Haq?
It is the retaliatory military operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, targeting various cities in Afghanistan.
How many casualties have been reported so far?
Pakistan claims 133 Taliban fighters were killed, while the Taliban administration maintains that there were no casualties.
Does Afghanistan have an air force to defend itself?
No, Afghanistan currently has no fighter jets and only possess a few aging aircraft and helicopters from the Soviet era.
Which Afghan cities were targeted by Pakistani airstrikes?
The strikes targeted major urban centres including the capital city of Kabul, as well as Kandahar and Paktia.
Is China involved in resolving the conflict?
Yes, China is mediating through its own channels and expressed a willingness to play a constructive role in the peace process.
