How the world is reacting as Pakistan declares “open war” with Taliban

PESHAWAR/KABUL (MNTV) — Pakistan has said it is now in “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, as explosions were reported in Kabul and fighting continued along several points of the border.

Islamabad said its forces also struck targets in Kandahar and Paktika provinces inside Afghanistan.

The declaration on Friday came hours after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan was carrying out “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani forces along the Durand Line.

The Taliban described its assault as a response to Pakistani air strikes earlier this week.

United Nations

Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the escalation and has voiced deep concern over the intensifying violence.

In remarks delivered by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief urged both sides to comply strictly with international law, particularly international humanitarian law. He stressed that civilians must be protected as hostilities continue.

Iran

Abbas Araghchi urged Kabul and Islamabad to resolve their differences through dialogue and principles of good neighbourliness, highlighting the holy month of Ramadan as a time for restraint and Islamic solidarity.

In a post on X, he said Tehran is prepared to support constructive dialogue and promote cooperation between the two countries.

Russia

Russia called for an immediate halt to cross-border strikes and urged both sides to settle their dispute through diplomatic channels, according to reports citing the Foreign Ministry.

Moscow has also offered to mediate if both parties agree.

India

India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi “strongly” condemns Pakistan’s air strikes, noting that they occurred during Ramadan.

“It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures,” Jaiswal said on X.

India has recently expanded engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities.

Islamabad, however, accuses New Delhi of backing groups that undermine Pakistan’s security — allegations India denies.

Turkiye

A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate calls with his counterparts from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to discuss the situation.

China

China said it is deeply concerned about the escalation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing has been engaging through its own diplomatic channels and is willing to play a constructive role in easing tensions.