LIVEPakistan-Afghanistan conflict LIVE: Islamabad declares ‘open war’, Taliban claim to shoot down Pak fighter jet and other updates

Mortar shell hits returnee camp near Torkham, seven injured

A mortar strike overnight hit the Omari camp near the Torkham border crossing, which shelters returnees from Pakistan, AFP reported, quoting a Nangarhar provincial official.

“Unfortunately seven of our refugees have been wounded, and the condition of one woman is serious,” said Qureshi Badlun, Nangarhar’s information chief.

The attack took place amid continuing clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban security personnel along the border.

Report claims Taliban education minister killed in Pakistani airstrikes

According to OSINT Europe, the Taliban’s acting Minister of Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem (Nida Muhammad), was reportedly killed in Pakistani airstrikes amid the escalating border conflict. He was the son-in-law of Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Report claims Afghan Supreme Leader killed in Pakistan airstrikes

According to OSINT Europe, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hibatullah Akhundzada, was reportedly killed along with senior Taliban commanders during Pakistani airstrikes that targeted headquarters in Kabul.

'Afghans will defend their beloved homeland': Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai

Amid Pakistan attacks, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said, "Afghans will defend their beloved homeland with complete unity in all circumstances and will respond to aggression with courage." Taking to X, he wrote, "Pakistan cannot free itself from the violence and bombings – those problems it has created itself – but must change its own policy and choose the path of good neighbourliness, respect, and civilised relations with Afghanistan."

UN urges immediate de-escalation amid Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes

As tensions continue along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, United Nations officials have called for restraint. The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, urged “calm and respect for international human rights & humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians.” “Immediate de-escalation is essential,” Bennett said in a post on X. UN Secretary-General António Guterres earlier made similar appeals for restraint.

Saudi, Pakistani ministers to discuss regional tensions

Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. According to a statement posted on X by the Saudi foreign ministry, the two leaders discussed “developments in the region” and explored “ways to reduce tensions.”

Taliban fighters ‘wave white flags’ after Pakistani strikes: Report

Pakistani armed forces have “completely destroyed multiple key posts” of the Afghan Taliban, according to a report by Dawn citing state broadcaster PTV News and security sources. The sources further claimed that after the strong response, Taliban fighters had “waved white flags” over their positions, indicating surrender or retreat.

Pakistan links rise in terror attacks to Taliban takeover

During its weekly briefing, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed to a rise in attacks inside the country and linked it to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. In a purported video shared by news agency PTI, the ministry said, “…Terrorist attacks in Pakistan have increased after Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, more so in the last 12-18 months…”

Iran offers to mediate as Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions rise

Iran has stepped in with an offer to help ease growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared to “facilitate dialogue” between the two countries as clashes along their shared border continue to escalate.

Sharif says Pakistan can ‘crush’ any aggression after Afghanistan strikes

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to “crush” any aggressors following the recent airstrikes on Afghanistan. “Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions,” Sharif said, according to a post shared on the Pakistani government’s X page. He added, “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces.”

Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions spiral as Islamabad declares ‘open war’, claims 133 Afghan fighters killed

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after Islamabad declared what it called “open war” against the Afghan Taliban government. The situation worsened after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar on Friday, hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops. The Taliban government said its action was retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes earlier this week. Pakistan has claimed its forces killed 133 Afghan fighters. Kabul, on the other hand, said 55 Pakistani troops were killed in its offensive. Read full story