Overview
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said cross-border action into Afghanistan cannot be ruled out and declared Pakistan to be in a state of war.
- Afghan officials warned they would retaliate at once if struck and cautioned that Islamabad could be directly targeted in any response.
- The warning followed two major incidents in 48 hours, including a suicide bombing outside an Islamabad court that killed at least 12 and an attack linked to Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan.
- Pakistan placed major cities on high alert, convened national security meetings, and increased surveillance along the Durand Line after the capital blast.
- Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering militants and also alleged Indian involvement via Afghanistan, while October Pakistani airstrikes in Khost and Paktika that reportedly killed civilians have already strained ties.