•Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul, with Afghanistan claiming a drug rehabilitation hospital was hit, causing hundreds of casualties.
•Pakistan denied targeting a hospital, stating its strikes aimed at militant infrastructure and camps of groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-K operating from Afghan territory.
•This marks a significant escalation in long-standing tensions since late 2025, rooted in border disputes over the Durand Line and mutual accusations of harboring militants.
•Islamabad justifies its actions as self-defense against anti-Pakistan armed groups, citing their use of Afghan safe havens to plan attacks inside Pakistan.
•Recent flashpoints include February 2026 border clashes, Pakistan's declaration of "open war," and continued fighting leading to civilian displacement.
