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Pakistan in an open war with Afghanistan, Pakistan defence minister says

Pakistani security forces
Pakistani security forces
Feb 26, 2026
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif looks on during an interview with Reuters in Islamabad, Pakistan, October 20, 2025. REUTERS/Salahuddin
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif looks on during an interview with Reuters in Islamabad, Pakistan, October 20, 2025. REUTERS/Salahuddin — Salahuddin

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Friday that the country was in an "open war" with neighbouring Afghanistan, declaring that Islamabad's patience had run out as tensions escalated overnight, with both sides reporting heavy losses.

"Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you (Afghanistan)," he said.

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad, writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Himani Sarkar)