As the Afghanistan–Pakistan conflict escalates, images and videos circulating online show Taliban fighters proudly displaying trousers and weapons. These items were left behind by Pakistani soldiers who fled their posts during a counterattack.“Empty trousers, recovered from abandoned military posts of the Pakistani army near the Durand Line,” wrote Afghan BBC journalist Daud Junbish while sharing one such photo.

What began as a border clash has now turned into full-fledged warfare. Afghan civilians are openly rallying behind the Taliban, saying they are ready to join the battlefield if necessary. “If needed, we will join the Mujahideen and the army of the Islamic Emirate,” said Mohibullah, a resident of Kandahar, speaking to Tolo News.

The recent escalation started after Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps inside Afghanistan. In response, Taliban fighters seized multiple Pakistani border outposts, including in Spin Boldak. Reports claim the Taliban destroyed security infrastructure and captured weapons and even tanks. One viral video showed fighters riding a seized Pakistani T-55 tank.

Pakistan responded with more airstrikes. On Wednesday, Pakistani aircraft bombed parts of Kabul and Kandahar, killing at least 15 Afghan civilians and injuring over 100, according to Afghan media. Furious over civilian deaths, Afghans across provinces voiced support for the Taliban. “The Islamic Emirate gave them a proper response. All the people are standing with them against Pakistan,” said Baitullah from Paktia. Another Afghan, Abdul Ghafour from Kabul, declared, “We defend our country. No foreigner has the right to interfere in our homeland.”

Both sides are now claiming heavy casualties. Pakistan says it has killed over 200 Taliban fighters, while Afghanistan insists it eliminated 58 Pakistani soldiers. Fighting was reported in at least seven locations along the Durand Line, a colonial-era border that Afghans have never formally accepted.

A fragile 48-hour ceasefire was announced Wednesday evening after Pakistan reportedly sought mediation from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. However, the mood on the ground suggests this is far from peace. The pants waving in the air may just be a symbol, but for many Afghans, it represents something much bigger: defiance, humiliation of the enemy, and a warning that the war has only just begun.confli