Pakistan has rejected dialogue with Afghanistan, demanding an end to alleged harboring of terrorists.
Cross-border attacks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated into a third day of conflict.
A recent drone strike in Bannu, Pakistan injured at least five people.
International actors are urging de-escalation and mediation to prevent regional instability.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), while Kabul denies this allegation.
Both sides report casualties, but figures are unverified.
📖 Full Retelling
Pakistan has declared "no dialogue" with Afghanistan amid escalating cross-border attacks, including a recent drone strike on a mosque in Bannu that injured at least five people. The conflict, now in its third day, represents a significant escalation in violence between the two nations and has been described by Pakistan as "open war." International calls for de-escalation and mediation are growing, with the European Union, UN Secretary-General, Iran, Jordan, UAE, and Russia urging both sides to cease hostilities. While the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan have expressed openness to negotiations, Pakistan insists that dialogue is impossible until Afghanistan stops harboring what it terms "terrorism," an accusation Kabul denies. The latest violence erupted following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory, prompting retaliatory attacks from the Taliban across multiple Pakistani districts. Both sides report casualties, though these claims remain unverified.
🏷️ Themes
Cross-border conflict, Terrorism, International relations, Security, Diplomacy, Regional instability
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The escalating cross-border violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan poses a significant threat to regional stability and could further destabilize an already volatile area. International calls for de-escalation highlight the potential for wider conflict and humanitarian concerns.
Context & Background
Long-standing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding the presence of militant groups.
Recent increase in cross-border attacks and accusations of harboring terrorists.
Pakistan's concerns about the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) operating from Afghan soil.
What Happens Next
International mediation efforts are likely to intensify, with regional and global powers urging both sides to de-escalate. Further military exchanges and retaliatory strikes remain a possibility unless a diplomatic solution is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pakistan Taliban (TTP)?
The TTP is a militant group that has carried out attacks in Pakistan, and Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing them with safe haven.
Why are international actors urging de-escalation?
To prevent a wider regional conflict and address humanitarian concerns arising from the violence.
What is Pakistan's position on dialogue?
Pakistan has stated it will not engage in dialogue with Afghanistan until the Taliban stops harboring terrorists.
How does the US view the situation?
The US supports Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.
Original Source
News | Pakistan Taliban Pakistan says ‘no dialogue’ with Afghanistan as attacks persist Pakistani media report a drone has hit a mosque in Bannu near the border, injuring at least five people. Listen to this article | 4 mins By AFP , Reuters and The Associated Press Published On 28 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media Share Save Add Al Jazeera on Google International calls for mediation are growing as Pakistan and Afghanistan engage in cross-border fighting for a third day , in the most serious flare-up in violence between the neighbours in months that Pakistan says has brought them into “open war”. The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged on Saturday for the countries to bring down the temperature and enter talks, warning the violence could affect the wider region. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3 What we know about clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan list 2 of 3 Has India’s influence in Afghanistan grown under the Taliban? list 3 of 3 Residents describe panic as Pakistan attacks Afghanistan in ‘open war’ end of list Iran, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Russia, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also urged de-escalation and mediation. Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have said they are open to negotiations to bring an end to the conflict. But Pakistan on Saturday said there would be “no dialogue”, repeating its long-running demand that Afghanistan stop harbouring “terrorism”, an allegation Kabul denies. “There won’t be any talks. There’s no dialogue. There’s no negotiation. Terrorism from Afghanistan has to end,” the Pakistani prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, told Pakistan TV, stressing that Pakistan’s responsibility was to protect its citizens and territory. Meanwhile, tit-for-tat attacks occurred near the fraught border. Afghan media reported that Taliban forces fired drone attacks on Pakistani military camps in the border areas of Miranshah and Spinwam...
