Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated further, after reports that a Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in Afghan territory. The incident, which took place in Jalalabad, led to the capture of the pilot. Pakistan had carried out air strikes on Kabul and Kandahar just a day prior to this incident, declaring open war on the neighboring country.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: Jet Shot Down in Jalalabad
According to reports, a Pakistani fighter jet went down in Afghanistan’s eastern city of Jalalabad. According to AFP, a police spokesman said, “A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive.” The same report also suggests that there were two explosions from the city’s airport, and that a person was seen parachuting from the plane before being detained.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: Why are they Fighting?
Although clashing at the border intermittently for months, the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated recently. Afghan forces launched a border offensive on Thursday, which the Taliban government said was retaliation for earlier Pakistani strikes.
In response, Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Friday targeting Kabul and southern Kandahar, the base of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The reported downing of a fighter jet marks the latest escalation in the ongoing clashes between the two sides.
The reason behind the tensions is militancy. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan. This claim is denied by the Afghanistan government led by the Taliban.
Pakistan-Afghanistan War: International Reactions
Pakistan’s foreign ministry dismissed reports that one of its fighter jets was shot down and that the pilot was captured, calling the claims “totally untrue.” Meanwhile, the United States extended diplomatic backing to Pakistan, saying it supports Islamabad’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks. The message was shared after talks between senior US and Pakistani officials.
Iran, which shares borders with both countries, offered to play a mediating role on Friday and said it was ready to help facilitate dialogue. Saudi Arabia and Qatar also moved to defuse tensions and urged restraint. China called for calm, saying it was in contact with both sides and encouraging de-escalation.
The latest confrontation shows how fragile relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have become, with both sides accusing one another of retaliatory strikes. The crisis shows no immediate signs of cooling, and unless both sides step back, the confrontation could spiral into a broader and more prolonged conflict.
