Pakistan-Afghanistan 'Open War' Escalates

Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated into an 'open war' following a series of cross-border attacks and retaliatory airstrikes. Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, declared that Pakistan's patience has run out, accusing the Taliban government of turning Afghanistan into a 'colony of India' and exporting terrorism. Pakistan conducted airstrikes in major Afghan cities like Kabul and Kandahar, targeting Taliban military installations, while Afghanistan retaliated with its own cross-border attacks. Both sides claim significant casualties on the opposing side, though figures remain unverified. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis with millions of Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan and Iran due to crackdowns on undocumented migrants. International actors like Qatar, Turkey, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia have called for de-escalation and dialogue, with some offering mediation. The Taliban government, through its spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, has expressed willingness to negotiate despite the ongoing hostilities.