Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif talks to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during a visit to the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
ISLAMABAD:
Friendly nations and world leaders on Friday urged calm between Pakistan and Afghanistan following overnight border clashes and Pakistan’s retaliatory punitive action against Kabul that killed hundreds of Taliban operatives and destroyed its various checkpoints.
Senior diplomats from several countries took to social media to urge restraint, dialogue and compliance with international law, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reached out to his counterparts from key regional partners to brief them on the developing situation.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq soon after the Taliban attacked Pakistani posts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at several locations. In retaliation, the troops repulsed the Taliban attackers and subsequently the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) blitzkrieg hit and destroyed several targets.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and stressed that Pakistan’s response to the unprovoked Afghan aggression had been “measured but decisive”.
He said Pakistani armed forces carried out successful actions under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq to protect the territorial integrity of the country. Both sides emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the broader region and agreed to remain in close contact as events evolve.
A similar message was conveyed to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two discussed “developments in the region and ways to reduce tensions” while safeguarding security and stability.
Türkiye also intervened diplomatically. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the conflict with Dar, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters. The foreign ministry said Dar stressed that Islamabad had responded “appropriately” to unprovoked aggression.
World powers, including Russia and China, were increasingly focused on preventing further escalation. Russia called on both sides to immediately stop cross-border attacks and resolve differences through diplomatic means.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow was concerned about the “unusual and rapid escalation” involving regular military units, fighter jets and heavy weapons. He urged a return to talks and said Russia would consider mediation if requested.
Iran has also offered to facilitate dialogue. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to provide any necessary assistance “to facilitate dialogue and enhance understanding and cooperation” between Islamabad and Kabul, according to AFP.
From Beijing, China expressed its deep concern about the intensity of the clashes. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said the current round of fighting surpassed previous incidents and warned that continued escalation would harm both sides.
He confirmed that China was mediating through its own channels and was willing to play a constructive role in reducing tension, while urging both countries to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation. His spokesman said he urged both countries to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law, and prioritize the protection of civilians.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, also called for urgent political dialogue and warned that the increase in force would only deepen the crisis. UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett also called for calm.
Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, called for respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, and emphasized that immediate de-escalation was essential as tensions descended into violence.
Britain joined the growing list of worried capitals. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London was “deeply concerned by the significant escalation” and urged both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate and re-engage in a mediated dialogue.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mourned the loss of life and called for maximum restraint. He said Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed, adding that reconciliation could only be achieved at the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have taken the lead in efforts to stop deadly clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a source with knowledge of the talks told AFP on Friday.
“Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, is making efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the source said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The goal is to “de-escalate the situation and prevent it from getting out of control,” they added.
On Friday, acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi called Qatar’s chief negotiator Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Doha said.
“Riyadh and Doha have been in contact at the highest level with both sides and we hope that the standoff will end as soon as possible,” the source added.
(WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AGENCIES)
