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Pakistan-Afghanistan War Update
Explosions heard in Kabul as border clashes enter fifth day
67 Taliban militants killed overnight in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 03 March, The Express Tribune and Dawn reported that loud explosions were heard in Kabul on Tuesday, as fighting between the two countries entered the fifth day. Journalists from AFP reported hearing multiple explosions and gunfire in the Afghan capital, alongside anti-aircraft fire. Afghanistan’s defence ministry said that "the fighting is still ongoing" against Pakistani forces. Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that 67 Taliban militants were killed in operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while one soldier of the Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC) also lost his life. This comes after Tarar announced on Monday that 435 Afghan Taliban fighters had been killed and 630 were injured during Pakistan’s “Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq”. Tarar also said that in addition to those killed and injured, 188 Afghan check posts were destroyed, 31 additional check posts were captured, and 51 locations across Afghanistan were targeted in air strikes. Additionally, 188 tanks and armoured vehicles were also destroyed.
Meanwhile, according to the state-run Radio Pakistan, a senior Pakistani security official said that the operation would continue until the Afghan Taliban government provides verifiable assurances to Pakistan that it will stop supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They also added that the Afghan Taliban “will have to decide whether they stand with Pakistan or with the terrorist groups operating from their soil,” and that Pakistan is “in no hurry” to conclude the operation. He also accused Afghanistan of promoting a “war economy” that was sabotaging regional peace, and that Pakistan’s operations were not indiscriminate and were instead targeting infrastructure used to support militant groups. Separately, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police decided to temporarily suspend their ongoing crackdown and arrests of Afghan nationals residing illegally in the province. This comes after police arrested hundreds of Afghan nationals over the last few days. In Peshawar, too, where politics have arrested over 1000 undocumented Afghan nationals, instructions were given to halt operations until Eid. However, in Islamabad, federal government agencies intensified their crackdown on Afghan nationals, detaining 27 people under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
Fighting between the two neighbours began late Thursday, when Afghanistan responded to Pakistani airstrikes over the previous weekend. Pakistan then launched a comprehensive military operation on Friday, declaring “open war” aimed at dismantling Kabul’s support for terrorist groups, particularly the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Fighting continued over the weekend, with Pakistani forces conducting strikes on Kabul and Afghanistan deploying missile defence systems against Pakistani jets. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said his country was open to dialogue to end hostilities, but the Pakistani Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, said that there would be no dialogue and that “terrorism from Afghanistan has to end.” (“435 Afghan combatants killed, 188 tanks and vehicles destroyed in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq: Tarar,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026; “Op Ghazab Lil Haq to continue until Taliban halt support for terrorists: state media,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026; “K-P halts crackdown on illegal Afghan migrants residing in province,” Dawn, 02 March 2026; “27 rounded up as crackdown on Afghan nationals intensified in Rawalpindi,” Dawn, 03 March 2026; “67 Taliban terrorists killed in Balochistan, K-P as Operation Ghazb Lil Haq intensifies,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026; “Blasts rock Kabul as Afghan, Pakistani troops escalate border clashes,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026)
In Focus
US Marines fired on protesters in Karachi, officials say
At least 26 people killed in protests that targeted US Consulate and UN office
On 03 March, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that United States Marines opened fire on protesters during the storming of the US Consulate in Karachi over the weekend. Two US officials confirmed the information, saying it was unclear whether the rounds fired struck or killed anyone. Since daily security operations at US diplomatic missions are usually carried out by private contractors and local forces, this marks the first confrontation by US officials that involved Marines firing on demonstrators. In Karachi, Major roads remained closed for a second consecutive day, particularly around the consulate. The Karachi Traffic Police said that all routes leading to the consulate were sealed amid security concerns over more protests. Containers and other barricades were used to restrict access at multiple points. Schools, colleges and universities in the vicinity remained closed, while offices opted to work remotely.
At least 26 people were killed when protests around the country against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, turned deadly over the weekend. Khamenei had been killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on early Sunday, following airstrikes on Iran by the two countries. People across Pakistan took to the streets to protest this development. In Karachi, protesters targeted the US Consulate, chanting “Death to America! Death to Israel!”. Reuters reported hearing gunfire and seeing tear gas being fired into surrounding streets. Demonstrators also set a vehicle ablaze and clashed with officers. Police Surgeon Dr Sameeya Tariq confirmed in a statement that 11 people were killed and over 70 were injured in the violence in Karachi. A day after the protests, police registered three cases against “unknown persons” on terrorism charges.
In Skardu, the United Nations building was set on fire, with violent clashes in the city leading to seven deaths, according to a rescue official. But Reuters reported two government officials putting the figure at 13 deaths. The army was later deployed to control the situation. Protests also erupted in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. In Lahore, protesters gathered outside the US Consulate, while in Islamabad, they carried black flags and chanted “Down with America!” They also marched towards the US Embassy in the city. Protesters pelted stones at police and even broke into the restricted area to reach the gate of the Diplomatic Enclave, before being pushed back by the police. Reuters reported that two people had been killed, while nearly 10 were injured.
The violence comes following US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, and retaliatory strikes by Iran on American military bases across the Middle East. On Sunday, a joint US-Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting mourning and anti-US and anti-Israel protests across the region, including in Pakistan. (“Death toll from nationwide violent protests tops 25,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026; “US Marines fired on protesters storming consulate in Karachi, US officials say,” Dawn, 03 March 2026; “City grinds to a halt as security lockdown enters day two,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026; “Terrorism cases registered over violence near US consulate in Karachi,” Dawn, 03 March 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
IMF review mission to hold remaining meetings virtually amid regional turmoil
On 3 March, Dawn reported that International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission talks with Pakistan authorities shifted to virtual mode due to the regional situation. On orders from Headquarters, the IMF mission relocated to Istanbul. Further engagements with regard to the third review of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) will be done virtually. (“Talks between Pakistan IMF mission go virtual amid regional violatility,” Dawn, 3 March 2026)
PBS monthly report on price indices shows slight rise in inflation
On 3 March, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released its monthly review of price indices. The National Consumer Price Index witnessed a slight increase in February 2026, rising by 0.27 per cent over January 2026 and was up by 6.98 per cent compared to the corresponding month in 2025. The Urban Consumer Price Index also increased slightly in February 2026, rising by 0.27 per cent over January 2026 and by 6.79 per cent compared to the corresponding month last year. The Rural Consumer Price Index for February 2026 increased by 0.28 per cent over January 2026 and by 7.27 per cent compared to the corresponding month last year. Additionally, the Wholesale Price Index for February 2026 increased by 0.66 per cent over January 2026 and by 1.05 per cent compared to the corresponding month last year. (“Inflation update power bills and produce push inflation to 6.98 pc,” Dawn, 3 March 2026)
Hundreds of flights to and from Pakistan cancelled following airspace closure in West Asia
On 3 March, The Express Tribune reported that as the regional security crisis intensified, hundreds of flights were cancelled in Pakistan, hurting the overall economy. Thousands of passengers remain stranded, as more than 500 domestic and international flights have been cancelled over the past three days. In particular, the suspension of air cargo services halted the transport of various goods, including food items and other supplies. (“Over 500 flights cancelled in Pakistan amid regional tensions,” The Express Tribune, 3 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
Dar urges de-escalation in Middle East, says Pakistan acted in self-defence in Afghanistan
On 02 March, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said on Wednesday that the country should exercise “restraint and dialogue” in the face of increasing tensions across the world. He said that Pakistan has been making “full diplomatic efforts” since the US and Israel conducted a joint operation in Iran. Dar said Pakistan “strongly condemned” the US-Israeli joint operation against Iran and said that it has spoken to “a number of foreign ministers at the international level” at the request of Iran and condemned Iran’s counter-retaliation against Gulf countries. Dar stated that Pakistan had launched an operation, named “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq”, in self-defence against terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, saying that it was an “intentional and proportional” response to the terrorist attacks occurring in Pakistan from Afghanistan. (“Pakistan making ‘full diplomatic efforts’ to de-escalate situation in Middle East, says Dar,” Dawn, 02 March 2026)
Pakistanis cross back from Iran via Taftan and Gabad as tensions rise
On 3 March, Dawn reported that the number of Pakistanis returning from Iran through the Taftan and Gabad border points was increasing, with over 580 returnees in the last two days, according to the FIA immigration department. Over 420 returnees were shifted from the Taftan immigration desk to Pakistan House, where they were provided with bedding, food and transport to Karachi. More returnees were also seen arriving at both crossings. (“Pakistanis continue to return from Iran,” Dawn, 03 March 2026)
Shehbaz urges de-escalation in Gulf, presses Oman-led diplomacy and speaks to Kuwait and Syria
On 3 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and asked them to display restraint and revive the diplomatic process. He praised the role of Oman in the talks between the United States and Iran, and stated that the attack “brought to an end the on-going peace process, which was at a very critical stage, and he wished that there would be scope for dialogue in days to come.” He extended sympathies to Kuwait on reports of heavy losses to the economy as a result of the attack and stated that the operation was contrary to the sovereignty of the Gulf states. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been working on diplomatic efforts and was ready to help in any manner to restore peace in the region. (“Amid Gulf turmoil, PM seeks space for diplomacy to work,” Dawn, 3 March 2026)
CYBER
CERT to investigate cyberattacks that targeted government websites
On 03 March, Dawn reported that coordinated cyberattacks hit multiple Pakistani television channels, websites and mobile applications. In response, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) launched a formal investigation. The main attack happened at the state-owned satellite of the country, Pak-Sat, as a result of which several TV channels suffered transmission issues. Also, websites of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, provincial government, and National Radio were hacked for several hours. (“CERT investigates cyberattacks on TV channels, websites,” Dawn, 03 March 2026)
PROVINCES
Thousands attend funeral of seven killed near US Consulate
On 02 March, Dawn reported that thousands of people gathered at Numaish on Sunday night to offer funeral prayers for seven people who were shot dead during demonstrations outside the US Consulate in Karachi. The seven were among 10 protesters who were killed during demonstrations over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The bodies of the three other protesters were sent to their respective native towns. Mourners chanted slogans and demanded justice for the deceased, while community elders and religious scholars urged calm. They also demanded an FIR be filed against the US Consulate General and the removal of Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar over “brutal firing” in Karachi. (“Thousands attend funeral of seven killed near US consulate in Karachi,” Dawn, 02 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War in the Middle East
Jawed Naqvi, “That longing for regime change,” Dawn, 03 March 2026
"The theme of regime change reminds me of the two sisters at Aligarh Muslim University who were erudite teachers and voluble in their left-oriented feminism. Prof Waheed Akhtar, a less stridently liberal member of the Urdu faculty, was asked which of the two he found less reprimanding in discussing disputes over a point of view. “The one who isn’t present,” he replied. That’s the lot of rulers and governments too. People tend to prefer the one that isn’t present. It’s only in stories we meet ones that are so enamoured of their rulers that they pray for their lifelong perpetuity."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1977734/that-longing-for-regime-change
Editorial, “Fury vs Promise,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026
"War begets more warmongering. So is the case as Iran has responded with full military might to US-Israel aggression, resulting in the assassination of its Supreme Leader, Syed Ali Khamenei, in a major blow to the Islamic Republic. However, the pushback from Iran has taken the entire Middle East by surprise, forcing President Trump to ask Italy and Oman for mediation."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595457/fury-vs-promise
Conflict
Muhammad Hamid Zaman, “The long shadow of conflict,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026
"Regardless of one's political viewpoint, we can agree that armed conflicts lead to the loss of innocent lives. That person may be a concert goer in the desert, a worker at an airport in a foreign land, a child buried under the rubble in an elementary school or someone whose dwelling happens to be near the border."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595456/the-long-shadow-of-conflict
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Arifa Noor, “Other side of the coin,” Dawn, 03 March 2026
"In the midst of upheaval in the region, Pakistan has been busy with its own challenges in the neighbourhood. I wrote ‘struggling’ to then replace it with ‘busy’, for most of the reporting and commentary on local platforms is unequivocal about the success of Pakistan’s attacks on Afghanistan, which began some days ago."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1977736/other-side-of-the-coin
India-Pakistan
Editorial, “Water concerns,” Dawn, 03 March 2026
"Recent reports that India plans to invest $60bn in increasing its water storage capacity on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers confirm official concerns that New Delhi is weaponising the shared resource against Pakistan. The increase in storage capacity from roughly 15 days to nearly two months will expand India’s holding ability on the rivers allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty, giving it unprecedented leverage over downstream flows. In an agrarian economy like ours, where sowing cycles rely on predictable river discharge, even brief interruptions can cause lasting damage. A 55- to 60-day window to regulate flows could enable India to create artificial scarcity during critical crop cycles, especially during the low-flow winter months. The reverse scenario is as alarming. During monsoon surges, large upstream storage gives India the capacity to release accumulated water in concentrated volumes, flooding downstream regions."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1977730/water-concerns
Economy
Editorial, “Tax shortfall,” The Express Tribune, 03 March 2026
"With the tax shortfall widening to Rs450 billion against the downward revised target for the first eight months of FY26 - and Rs670 billion against the original objective - fiscal management is once again under strain. The government's consideration of a second revision to the Rs14.13 trillion annual target reflects not so much prudence as a deeper structural weakness that remains unaddressed."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595458/tax-shortfall-3
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