New Delhi: The ongoing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the Durand Line has now reached a very serious point. The situation has become such that the scope for negotiation and compromise seems to be diminishing and military action is becoming dominant. The bombing by Pakistani Air Force in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika on Friday worsened the already delicate situation.
The latest attack comes after the ceasefire, which was implemented last year after huge efforts with the mediation of Qatar and Türkiye. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif issued a statement on social media saying that now the limit of patience has ended and open war has started between the two countries. His statement has further increased the concern in the area.
Air strikes and counter-claims
After the latest attacks, Pakistan has claimed that more than 130 Taliban fighters have been killed in its action. Pakistan says that this step was taken in response to the Afghan attacks on Sunday. On the other hand, Afghanistan has rejected Pakistan’s allegations and described it as an aggressive and interventionist country.
The process of allegations and counter-allegations has intensified between the two countries. Pakistan says that Afghanistan is giving shelter to the elements responsible for attacks on its soil, while the Afghan side calls it an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s internal problems.
India did not give any response
There has been no new official reaction from India yet on the recent incidents. However, India’s stand has been clear from earlier statements. India has always supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. Earlier, when tension had increased on the border, India’s External Affairs Ministry had criticized Pakistan’s action and said that Pakistan has an old habit of blaming its internal failures on neighboring countries.
India had also reacted strongly to an earlier airstrike during Ramadan and expressed concern over the death of civilians. India had made it clear that any kind of military action should not harm the common people.
Pakistan worried about India-Afghanistan closeness
For some time now, contacts and dialogue between Afghanistan and India have increased. High-level meetings and diplomatic dialogue have given a new dimension to the relations between the two countries. This very thing is becoming a cause of concern for Pakistan. Islamabad alleges that India’s influence on Afghan soil is increasing, but India calls these allegations baseless.
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