Qatar, Saudi Arabia Launch Mediation on Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have stepped in to help halt the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Regional concerns over escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have once again drawn previous mediators back into the issue. Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing its source, reported that Qatar and Saudi Arabia have initiated diplomatic efforts to stop the clashes between Kabul and Islamabad.

According to the report, Riyadh and Doha are coordinating their efforts to reduce tensions and prevent the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan from expanding into a broader war.

Idris Mohammadi Zazi, a political analyst, stated: “This time, firm guarantees must be obtained from Pakistan. The mediating countries must exert maximum pressure on Pakistan to prevent further attacks against innocent civilians.”

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of regional countries, including Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have contacted the foreign ministers of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss the ongoing clashes between the two countries.

According to political analysts, these contacts were made to reduce tensions and urge both sides to exercise restraint, ensuring that the confrontation does not trigger another war in the region.

Waiss Naseri, a political analyst, said: “Mediation efforts are ongoing, but until the two sides reach an agreement, work on confidence-building measures, and address each other’s demands, the problems will not be resolved.”

On the other hand, Zakir Jalali, Second Political Deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, described the actions of the Islamic Emirate’s defense forces as reciprocal and defensive, adding that diplomatic channels have also remained active.

Jalali stated that all available tools are being used simultaneously and in coordination to protect national interests.

He added: “Although the security and defense forces have taken reciprocal and defensive measures to control the situation, active diplomacy has been seriously pursued at the same time. The efforts of the country’s diplomatic apparatus demonstrate that, in order to safeguard national and national security interests, all legitimate and responsible tools are being employed simultaneously and in a coordinated manner.”

This comes as Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, had previously announced Tehran’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad.