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Zardari Defends Strikes as Karzai Calls for Unity

3/3/2026

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Zardari Defends Strikes

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari defended military strikes in Afghanistan as targeting militants after failed diplomacy.
He urged the Taliban to disarm groups causing violence in Pakistan.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the airstrikes and called for unity.
Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence reported Pakistani casualties during retaliatory operations, claiming bases were destroyed and posts captured.
The ceasefire ended, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants.

Right

Afghan Forces Intensify Conflict

Fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has intensified on day five, with Afghan forces claiming to destroy a Pakistani tank and kill over 100 personnel.
Pakistan reported 435 Afghan troop casualties and extensive military infrastructure damage.
Both nations accuse each other of harboring militants and hinder peace.
Qatar offered to mediate.
The conflict is worsened by regional instability tied to U.S.–Israeli actions in Iran, hindering diplomacy.

History

Historical Context

The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) arose from British concerns over Russian influence in Afghanistan, leading to conflict under Amir Sher Ali Khan. Following his death in 1879, his son Yaqub Khan signed the Treaty of Gandamak, ceding control of foreign affairs to Britain. This war set the stage for ongoing tensions in South Asia, particularly between Afghanistan and Pakistan, over influence and security.

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Zardari Defends Strikes

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari defended military strikes in Afghanistan as targeting militants after failed diplomacy.
He urged the Taliban to disarm groups causing violence in Pakistan.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the airstrikes and called for unity.
Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence reported Pakistani casualties during retaliatory operations, claiming bases were destroyed and posts captured.
The ceasefire ended, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants.

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