Saudi Arabia and Qatar halt sanguinary war between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Deadly border clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan forces have paused after mediation by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. With 58 Pakistani soldiers reportedly killed, tensions remain high, highlighting the fragile peace and urgent need for sustained dialogue.

New Delhi: Afghan Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that heavy clashes have recently occurred between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The clashes began after Pakistan carried out an airstrike in the Afghan border region on Saturday night. According to Afghan media TOLOnews, Afghan forces retaliated by attacking Pakistani forces.

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The Taliban claim that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the retaliatory airstrike, while on the Afghan side, 9 Taliban fighters were killed and 16 were injured. Furthermore, the Taliban said they captured 25 Pakistani military posts. However, these claims have not been confirmed by Pakistan.

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Amid this critical situation, Saudi Arabia and Qatar acted as mediators. The Taliban stated that they decided to cease hostilities at the request of these countries. According to Zabihullah Mujahid, “We have stopped the border clashes. This decision was made after mediation and a request from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.”

International Concern and Appeal

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran expressed serious concern about the conflict and urged both countries to exercise restraint and dialogue. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated, “Pakistan and Afghanistan should avoid tensions and engage in dialogue for stability.”

Qatar also pledged all possible cooperation for regional peace. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that stability in Pakistan and Afghanistan could bring peace to the entire region.

This incident is not just a clash between two countries, but it could impact the stability of the entire South Asian region. Continued tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan could impact cross-border terrorism, the refugee crisis, and the regional strategic balance.

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For now, the conflict has been halted due to efforts by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but the situation remains fragile. If a lasting solution to this tension is not found, these clashes could escalate again. Dialogue and a peaceful resolution are the only way out of this crisis.