World calls for restraint amid Pakistan, Afghanistan border clashes

Following the recent clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, countries including Russia, China and Iran have called on the neighbors to exercise restraint.

In a statement, Russia urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to halt cross-border attacks immediately and resolve their differences through diplomatic means, the RIA news agency reported, citing the foreign ministry.

As per Reuters, Russian called for an end to hostilities and said it would consider mediating talks if asked by both parties, state media reported citing Moscow’s foreign ministry.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in a phone call and discussed recent regional developments, including the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

During the call, they discussed “developments in the region and ways to reduce tensions” while safeguarding the region’s security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
Meanwhile, Iran offered to help “facilitate dialogue” to resolve the conflict.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.

Furthermore, China’s foreign ministry said it had been mediating in the conflict through its own channels and was deeply concerned about the escalation.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was “deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict”.

China “calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint… achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed”, she told a regular press briefing.

“China has consistently mediated the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions.”

The ministry and China’s embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were “working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter”, she said.

Qatar also condemned the clashes and reiterated its firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of motives or justifications.

“The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery,” the ministry said.

Moreover, UN human rights chief Volker Türk appealed for dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid border clashes and deadly airstrikes, while condemning ever harsher “apartheid” edicts issued by the Afghan de facto authorities that continue to severely impact women and girls.

“This situation calls for urgent political dialogue, rather than escalating the use of force,” said the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also urged both nations to adhere strictly to their obligations under international law, specifically emphasising international humanitarian law, as per BBC.

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has called for calm and respect for international human rights and humanitarian.

“Once again I call for calm and respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians, in the current tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have very regrettably flowed into violence. Immediate de-escalation is essential.”

At least 133 Afghan Taliban operatives were killed, and more than 200 were injured after Pakistan’s security forces delivered an “immediate and effective response” to unprovoked cross-border firing on Friday.

Both sides reported heavy losses in the fighting, which Pakistan’s defence minister said amounted to an “open war”.

The Pakistani air strikes are the first time Islamabad has directly targeted Taliban installations.