Pakistan has launched strikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, after Afghan forces retaliated against Pakistani airstrikes. Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared an 'open war' and accused the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into a 'colony of India' and exporting terrorism. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated, with accusations of militant support and failed negotiations for peace. Recent months have seen increased violence, including suicide attacks and a crackdown on undocumented migrants.