Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran welcome restraint in Pak-Afghan conflict

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have called for restraint amid ongoing clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, emphasizing the need for dialogue to mitigate tensions, reports 24brussels.

In their respective statements, the nations urged Kabul and Islamabad to prioritize diplomatic efforts and avoid escalation. They expressed support for regional and international initiatives aimed at establishing peace and stability.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges both sides to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint, and to work toward containing differences in a manner that helps reduce tension and avoid escalation, in order to achieve regional security and stability.” Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its readiness to assist in reducing tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Political analyst Sayed Qaribullah Sadat remarked, “Continuation of war under the current circumstances is detrimental to all countries. The solution lies in mutual understanding and reconciliation, through the Afghan Embassy in Pakistan and the Pakistani Embassy in Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate announced that, at the request of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been halted. However, he cautioned that any further actions from Pakistan would provoke an appropriate response from the Islamic Emirate. Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “Both Qatar and Saudi Arabia called for an end to the fighting, and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan complied by halting the war. However, this morning we received reports that attacks have been carried out by Pakistan. If these attacks continue, Afghanistan reserves the right to defend its territory.”

On the Pakistani side, President Asif Ali Zardari affirmed the country’s commitment to defending its national interests and territorial integrity. He claimed that attacks are being launched from Afghan territory by terrorists supported by India, citing reports from the United Nations Security Council.

Additionally, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused Islamic Emirate forces of firing into Pakistani territory, describing it as a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, currently in India, spoke about national unity in the face of foreign interference, asserting, “One of Afghanistan’s characteristics is that, despite internal differences, if a foreign country interferes in their affairs, the entire nation, scholars and leaders alike, unites in opposition.”

Tensions have escalated following Pakistani incursions into Afghan airspace and attacks on Paktika province. In retaliation, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence conducted strikes on Pakistani posts along the Durand Line, which continued until midnight last night.