'We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution': Amid air strikes and 'open war', Afghanistan calls for 'dialogue' with Pakistan

Amid escalating military exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Afghan government has called for "dialogue" to resolve the growing conflict, even as air strikes and retaliatory attacks continued along the volatile border.

Afghan government pushes for peaceful resolution

Afghanistan's Taliban-led government said it remains open to negotiations. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stressed that Kabul prefers diplomacy over continued confrontation.

"We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution, and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid was quoted as saying by The Hindu, signalling Afghanistan's willingness to pursue talks even after recent violence.

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The appeal for dialogue came after a night of intense fighting between the neighbouring countries, raising fears of a prolonged military standoff.

Pakistan declares 'open war' after strikes

Pakistan carried out air strikes on major Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul, on Friday (February 27, 2026). Islamabad's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the situation as an “open war” following months of tit-for-tat clashes along the border.

According to Pakistan's military, the operation targeted multiple locations after Afghan forces allegedly attacked Pakistani border troops the previous night.

Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, "Pakistani air ‌strikes hit 22 Afghan ⁠military targets. At least 12 Pakistani ‌soldiers were killed and 274 ⁠Taliban officials and militants ‌were killed since Thursday night."

Afghan authorities, meanwhile, said their forces responded with drone strikes targeting Pakistani military positions, as confirmed by the Taliban Defence Ministry and a government spokesperson.

Global concern grows over escalation

The intensifying conflict has drawn international attention, with several countries urging restraint and dialogue between the two sides.

Britain's Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper expressed concern over the situation, stating the UK was "deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan".

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"We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de-escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re-engage in mediated dialogue," she said on X.

Russia also called for an immediate halt to hostilities. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned of the dangers posed by expanding military engagement involving heavy weapons and regular forces.

"There are casualties on both sides, including civilians. We call on our friendly countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, to abandon this dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table to resolve all differences through political and diplomatic means," she said.

Even as fighting continues, Afghanistan's renewed call for dialogue highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.