World reacts to eruption of fighting between Pakistan, Afghanistan

Countries around the world are urging the warring parties to show restraint.Published On 27 Feb 2026Pakistan has said it is now in “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban government as explosions were reported in Kabul and fighting continues in other locations along the border. Pakistan says it has also attacked Kandahar and Paktika inside Afghanistan.The declaration on Friday comes hours after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah ⁠Mujahid said Afghanistan was carrying out “large-scale offensive operations” against the Pakistani military along the Durand Line” which separates the two countries.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Photos: The aftermath of Pakistan’s air strikes in Afghanistanlist 2 of 3Pakistan claims at least 70 fighters killed in strikes along Afghan borderlist 3 of 3Iran banks big on murky oil ‘trustees’ as war with US on the horizonend of listThe Taliban said its attack was in response to a separate round of Pakistani air strikes earlier this week.Here is how countries and institutions are reacting:United NationsUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation, expressing deep concern over the surge in violence.In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres urged both nations to adhere strictly to their obligations under international law, with a specific emphasis on international humanitarian law.Guterres underscored the urgent need for both parties to prioritise the protection of civilians as confrontations continue.IranIran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been involved in intensive talks with the United States to avert conflict engulfing his own nation, has urged the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and good neighbourly principles, as he highlighted the significance of the holy month of Ramadan as a time for self-restraint and Islamic solidarity.