Panic Grips Kabul as Pakistan Launches Attacks in 'Open War'

Kabul residents recount scenes of chaos and fear as Pakistan escalates tensions with cross-border strikes in Afghanistan, triggering a state of emergency.
Residents of Kabul, Afghanistan are recounting a harrowing day of panic and chaos as Pakistan launched a series of attacks across the border, plunging the region into what many are describing as an 'open war'. Locals describe scenes of terror as the sound of explosions echoed through the city, sending people scrambling to find shelter and safety.
"It was absolute mayhem," said Fatima, a Kabul resident. "We heard the first blast and then it was just one after another. People were running in all directions, not knowing where to go. It felt like a warzone."
According to officials, the Pakistani military initiated the attacks, targeting what they claim were militant hideouts along the border region. However, Afghan authorities have strongly condemned the strikes, accusing Pakistan of a blatant violation of their sovereignty.
"This was an unprovoked act of aggression," said Zahir Wahdat, the governor of Kabul province. "Pakistan has no right to be launching attacks on our soil. We will not stand for this."
The attacks have plunged the already fragile relationship between the two neighboring countries into further turmoil. Afghanistan and Pakistan have long been engaged in a bitter dispute over border control and the presence of militant groups, with each side accusing the other of harboring and supporting their enemies.
"This is just the latest chapter in a long and complicated history between our two nations," said regional analyst Tariq Mahmood. "But the scale and brazenness of these attacks is unprecedented. It's clear that tensions have reached a boiling point."
In the wake of the attacks, the Afghan government has declared a state of emergency in Kabul and surrounding provinces, deploying additional security forces to the area. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
"We are doing everything in our power to protect our citizens and restore order," said Zahir Wahdat. "But this is a deeply unsettling situation, and we are calling on the international community to intervene and help de-escalate the tensions."
Source: Al Jazeera


