Global Calls for Ceasefire Between Kabul and Islamabad
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has expressed concern over the ongoing clashes and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging both sides to refrain from military confrontation.
Zakharova advised both parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said: “We are concerned about the continuation of armed clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. In recent days, armed confrontations involving aircraft and heavy weapons have been recorded across the border region inhabited by Pashtun tribes. Civilians are being harmed, including Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran. Once again, we call on Kabul and Islamabad to refrain from military confrontation and resolve their differences through mutual dialogue based on respect.”
At the same time, six international human rights organizations, in a joint statement referring to the escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, warned that the continuation of the situation could threaten regional stability and economic connectivity.
Expressing concern about harm to civilians, the organizations urged both sides to:
- Prioritize the protection of civilians
- Agree to an immediate ceasefire and engage in inclusive dialogue to ensure lasting peace
- Strengthen economic cooperation and social support to reduce instability
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister held a meeting with political leaders and senior members of the country’s political parties to discuss the clashes with Afghanistan and the situation in Iran.
According to Pakistani media reports, several political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested during the meeting that the Pakistani government should engage in dialogue with Afghanistan.
At the same time, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, also discussed ending the conflict with Afghanistan during a separate meeting with the country’s prime minister.
Political analyst Janat Fahim Chakari said: “The military government of Pakistan does not listen to the opposition or the people of Pakistan, because part of its revenue comes from the war sector and related projects.”
These developments come as China’s ambassador, during a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that some external actors are seeking to undermine regional stability.
According to him, countries in the region can counter such efforts only through coordination and cooperation.
