Open Conflict Erupts After Deadly Border Clashes 

A major crisis has exploded between two neighbouring countries Pakistan and Afghanistan, which share border with each other. It was started as a minor clash but now Pakistan Defense minister has declared it as an “open war”.

 

What is Happening Now? The Latest Updates/news

Pakistan and Afghanistan clash have started at the end of February 2026. Here is what happened:

The Trigger: (Feb 26, 2026): According to reports, it was started when Pakistan carried out airstrikes on some areas inside Afghanistan on February 26. Pakistan said that it was targeting militants that was hiding there.

Afghan Retaliation: Afghanistan fought back because it did not like bombing. So in response, Afghanistan attacked Pakistani soldiers that were near the border. Both sides claimed that they killed many of the other side’s soldiers.

Pakistan Declares “Open War” (Feb 27, 2026): The condition took a intense turn when Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, announced on social media that it is now and open war between them with his statement: “Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us and you”.

Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan: after the announcement of war, Pakistan started airstrikes on big cities of Afghanistan, including their capital Kabul. According to Pakistan, it was only targeting military building that belongs to Afghanistan’s government.

Afghanistan Attacks on Pakistan: The Afghanistan government confirmed that it is also attacking Pakistan. It carried out retaliatory strikes from Kandahar and Helmand provinces, which is targeting Pakistani military points. Now both sides are attacking each other.

The Root Causes: Why Are Pakistan and Afghanistan Fighting?

The Pakistan Afghanistan conflict is not new. They both dislike each other for a very long time. This fight is not just about the recent attacks they do on each other

1.  The Durand Line Dispute

One of the reason for the dispute is a British man named Sir Mortimer Durand drawn a border line on map in 1893.This 2,640-kilometer line, known as the Durand Line. It divides the Pashtun ethnic group into two different countries, which separated the families and communities. Afghanistan has never accepted this border, which is a source of Pakistan Afghanistan conflict.

2.  Cross-Border Terrorism and the TTP

The biggest reason for the Pakistan Afghanistan war is terrorism. Pakistan criticize the Afghan government, because it says Afghanistan government is allowing militant groups to attack on Pakistan and allowing them to hide in Afghanistan. The main group in question is the Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Pakistani Taliban.

Who is the TTP? The TTP is a separated group from the Afghanistan rulers, but they share a similar ideology and think alike. The TTP wants to overthrow the Pakistani government. They had killed many soldiers and many common people.

The Accusation: According to Pakistan, TTP are hiding in Afghanistan and planning attack on Pakistan. And afghan government is helping them by providing land. Pakistan want Afghanistan to stop this. But Afghanistan says that this is not true. We do not allow anyone to use our land to attack other.

3.  The Refugee Crisis

For decades, Pakistan give shelter to millions of afghan people that escaped the war. Just now, Pakistan has started sending those afghan people back to the Pakistan in 2025. They are in large quantity over a million. The reason is the militants are hiding among them. This created a huge problem for Afghanistan because too many people arrived suddenly which causes economic trouble and anger toward Pakistan.

4.  Failed Peace Efforts

This is not the first time Pakistan Afghanistan conflict. Big clashes happened between them which killed many soldiers from sides on October 2025. Many countries like Turkey and Qatar helped them to stop their fight and want them to agree on ceasefire. And talks were also held in Saudi Arabia. However, these talks failed, and the ceasefire ended, leading to the current Pakistan Afghanistan border clash.

5. Allegations of India Involvement

The conflict has also been fueled by accusations involving other countries. Pakistan’s Defense Minister claims that the Afghan Taliban has become a proxy for India. They are now working for India. He said Afghanistan is like a colony of India, India is controlling it. India says this accusation is not true, and denies this completely.

 

 

What Should Be in the Future?

Pakistan and Afghanistan are in open war now. Which is not goof and is dangerous for everyone. Both countries has moved there soldiers on border to take position. Both countries don’t want to talk peacefully now, because they are in aggression. More bombing and air strikes are expected. War will likely continue. Civilians on both sides will face more trouble, and are in danger. This is not possible to win the war just by fighting. Other countries like Turkey, China and Qatar may help them to bring on table to solve issues.

 

(Based on team research. Information is reliable but subject to future update)