Khawaja Muhammad Asif

Force in Play

Declared 'open war' against Taliban Afghanistan

Pakistan and Afghanistan are locked in their most intense military confrontation since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, with escalating cross-border strikes claiming hundreds of lives. On March 17, 2026, a Pakistani airstrike devastated a 2,000-bed hospital in Kabul, killing approximately 400 people and injuring nearly 250 others according to Afghan officials, marking the deadliest single incident. Pakistan denied responsibility. The conflict stems from Pakistan's demands that the Taliban crack down on Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants sheltering on Afghan soil. A five-day Eid al-Fitr ceasefire mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar held from March 19-24, 2026, preventing immediate resumption of hostilities.

Updated Apr 2

Force in Play

Serving as Defence Minister since 2022; leading government response

Pakistan has not seen a suicide bombing in its capital since 2016. That changed in November 2025, when an attacker killed 12 outside an Islamabad court. Two days ago, on February 6, 2026, a suicide bomber walked into a Shia mosque during Friday prayers and killed 31 worshippers, wounding 169 more. The attack on Khadija Tul Kubra mosque was the deadliest in Islamabad since the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing that killed 63.

Updated Feb 8