Saudi Arabia, Qatar Urge Restraint and Dialogue After Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clashes

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Sunday voiced deep concern over recent clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, urging both neighboring countries to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.

According to officials, heavy gunfire and shelling were exchanged late Saturday after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border posts in response to what the Taliban government in Kabul described as “repeated violations” of Afghan airspace and territorial sovereignty.

Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities had accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and in eastern provinces, including Khost and Paktika. The attacks allegedly targeted areas linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied the airstrikes, fueling speculation and heightening cross-border tensions.

Following the latest confrontation, the Torkham border crossing — one of the main trade and transit routes between the two countries — remained closed on Sunday morning. The closure disrupted the movement of goods and people, adding to growing economic and humanitarian strains on both sides of the border.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom “follows with concern the tensions and clashes witnessed in the border areas between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Afghanistan,” calling for calm and mutual restraint.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement expressing “grave concern” over the escalation and its potential repercussions for regional security and stability. Doha urged both countries to “prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint to prevent further deterioration.”

The renewed tensions highlight the fragile relationship between Islamabad and Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Pakistan accuses Afghan authorities of sheltering members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — a militant network responsible for a string of deadly attacks across Pakistan. Kabul, however, denies harboring the group, insisting that Afghan soil is not being used to threaten neighboring countries.

The TTP, ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban but operating separately, has been behind some of Pakistan’s most lethal attacks since the late 2000s. On Saturday, the group claimed responsibility for a series of assaults in several northwestern districts that killed at least 20 security personnel and three civilians during the week.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the cross-border firing, describing it as “an unprovoked act of aggression” and “a blatant violation of international law.” In a statement shared by the Ministry of Information, Naqvi reiterated that Islamabad “reserves the right to defend its citizens and territory” while emphasizing the need for peaceful engagement.

Security analysts warn that continued hostilities risk undermining regional counterterrorism cooperation and could derail trade and humanitarian efforts along the border. The closure of Torkham, in particular, is expected to affect thousands of traders, transporters, and families who depend on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods.

Despite repeated calls for de-escalation from regional partners, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain high. Diplomatic sources in Islamabad say efforts are underway through backchannel talks to reopen communication lines and prevent further clashes.

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