By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Global powers moved swiftly on Friday to contain rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, issuing urgent appeals for both sides to stop cross-border attacks and return to diplomatic channels before the situation spirals further.
China, Russia, Iran and the United Nations led the international response, expressing deep concern over the clashes that erupted along the porous border and offering to help mediate a resolution. Their statements came after Pakistan launched air strikes under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in response an unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban regime.
In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that China was “deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict” and called on both sides “to remain calm and exercise restraint … achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed.” She said Beijing had been mediating through its own channels and remained “willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions,” with Chinese embassies in both countries actively engaged with local parties.
Moscow echoed the call for calm. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, cited by RIA news agency, described the escalation as “unusual and rapid,” noting the involvement of regular military units, combat aircraft and heavy weapons that had produced casualties and injuries on both sides, including among civilians. She urged the two countries “to refrain from further dangerous confrontation and escalation of tensions and to return to the path of a negotiating process.” Russia stands ready to offer mediation if requested by both parties, she added.
Iran offered direct assistance in bridging the divide. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that “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.”
At the United Nations in Geneva, Secretary-General António Guterres was “closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned by the recent tensions,” his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said. Guterres stressed that both nations must “strictly fulfil their obligations under international law” and place the protection of civilians at the forefront. U.N. Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett reinforced the message on X, calling for “calm and respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians,” and warning that “immediate de-escalation is essential.” U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk similarly appealed for renewed dialogue.
Pakistan’s military action, which officials said killed 274 Afghan Taliban and militants and injured more than 400 others while destroying several key Taliban posts, formed the immediate backdrop. Pakistani officials described the operation as measured and necessary to safeguard sovereignty. Pakistani diplomacy worked in tandem with the international appeals.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, telling him Pakistan had responded “befittingly” to the aggression. Both ministers “emphasised peace and stability in the region and agreed to stay closely engaged on evolving developments,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office said. Fidan also held separate calls with his counterparts from Afghanistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Turkish officials confirmed.
Dar held another conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, describing Pakistan’s response as “measured but decisive to unprovoked aggression.” The two agreed on the importance of regional peace and pledged to remain in contact. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim voiced concern over the violence and regretted the loss of life on both sides. He called for “maximum restraint” and an immediate end to military operations, while stressing that Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed and Afghanistan’s sovereignty respected. “Reconciliation,” he said, “was only possible at the negotiating table.”
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London was “deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.” On X she added: “We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de-escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re-engage in mediated dialogue.”
Dar also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about ways to reduce tensions while preserving regional security and stability, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
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