Kabul [Afghanistan], October 12 (ANI): Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have called for restraint amid ongoing clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, urging both sides to resolve disputes through dialogue, Tolo News reported. The statements also voiced support for regional and international efforts to promote peace and stability.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “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.” Similarly, Iran’s Foreign Ministry highlighted its readiness to assist in de-escalating tensions between the two neighbouring 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.”
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated that hostilities were halted at the request of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. “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,” he warned.
On the Pakistani side, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed his country’s commitment to defending national interests and territorial integrity, citing attacks from Afghan territory by groups allegedly supported by India. Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the Islamic Emirate’s firing into Pakistan as a violation of international law.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, speaking from India, emphasized national unity during conflict: “One of Afghanistan’s characteristics is that, despite internal differences, if a foreign country interferes in our affairs, the entire nation, scholars and leaders alike unites in opposition.”
The escalation followed Pakistan’s violation of Afghan airspace and attacks on Paktika province, prompting retaliatory strikes by Afghanistan along the Durand Line, continuing until midnight on Saturday. (ANI)
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