Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, has declared that the country’s restraint has been exhausted and described the situation with Afghanistan as an “open war,” following retaliatory strikes by both sides after a cross-border attack.
In a statement posted on X, Khawaja Mohammad Asif said Islamabad had anticipated improved stability in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO forces.
He noted that Pakistan had expected the Taliban leadership to prioritise the welfare of Afghans and broader regional security.
“Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us,” he said.
The renewed hostilities have cast doubt on the durability of a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, with tensions between the neighbouring states appearing to intensify.
The defence minister made no reference to the truce in his remarks.
