Islamabad – Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has declared an "open war" on Afghanistan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The announcement follows retaliatory cross-border attacks between the two countries and comes as Afghanistan struggles with the return of millions of refugees forcibly expelled from Pakistan in recent months. The international community must address the human rights implications of this escalating conflict.

Asif's accusations against the Taliban, including turning Afghanistan into a "colony of India" and "exporting terrorism," deflect attention from the root causes of instability, including the legacy of foreign intervention and the current crisis of displacement. His statement also failed to acknowledge the devastating impact of Pakistan's recent crackdown on Afghan migrants, which has uprooted families and further strained Afghanistan's already limited resources.

The defense minister's condemnation of the Taliban's denial of basic human rights, particularly for women, rings hollow given Pakistan's own role in destabilizing the region. True commitment to human rights requires addressing the root causes of inequality and providing support to vulnerable populations, not escalating military conflict. The plight of Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons must be prioritized.

Pakistan's history of hosting Afghan refugees is overshadowed by its recent mass deportations, which have pushed millions back into a country ill-equipped to support them. The international community must provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. A peaceful resolution to the conflict requires addressing the underlying issues of poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity that fuel instability.