Pakistan has launched airstrikes against the Afghan capital of Kabul and other urban areas, notably in the provinces of Kandahar and Paktia, just hours after the Taliban announced it had struck Pakistani military facilities along the border in retaliation for deadly Pakistani bombings over the weekend. The Pakistani government confirmed early morning strikes targeting the 'defense positions of the Afghan Taliban regime', indicating a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations.

According to Pakistani Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, the clashes have resulted in at least 133 deaths and over 200 injuries among the ranks of the Afghan Taliban. The Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, echoed these figures and emphasized that the military forces of Pakistan are operating with full capability, underlining the severity of the situation that has led to this open conflict.

This ongoing escalation signals a potential return to large-scale hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, regions that have experienced extensive conflict in the past. With Prime Minister Sharif stating that 'the cup of our patience has overflowed,' it reflects the increasing tensions that may have regional implications, potentially affecting stability in South Asia and raising concerns over humanitarian impacts amid already struggling economies and governance systems in both countries.