Global powers are calling for restraint as Russia, Iran and the United Nations urge Pakistan and Afghanistan to stop cross-border attacks immediately and return to diplomacy amid mounting tensions.
Pakistan, meanwhile, says it has mounted what it calls a strong and comprehensive response to “unprovoked aggression” by the Afghan Taliban regime, with Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar saying on Friday that 133 militants were killed and more than 200 were injured.
The security forces launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq following unprovoked Taliban action along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Security sources said Pakistan's armed forces destroyed several key Afghan Taliban posts. Following Pakistan's decisive action, the Afghan Taliban reportedly raised white flags at multiple positions.
China said it was deeply concerned over the escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, its foreign ministry said, as Pakistani and Afghan forces clashed after the Taliban launched what it called retaliatory strikes on Pakistani installations.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was mediating through its own channels and was willing to play a constructive role in cooling the situation.
Russia has called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to immediately halt cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through diplomacy, and said it would consider offering mediation if both sides requested it, according to remarks cited by RIA news agency.
RIA, citing Russia’s foreign ministry, reported that Moscow was urging the two neighbours to cease attacks “immediately” and settle disagreements through diplomatic channels. The foreign ministry also said Russia would consider providing mediation if requested by both parties.
Iran also offered to help "facilitate dialogue" between Afghanistan and Pakistan after tensions flared, AFP reported.
"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.
In Geneva, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned by the recent tensions, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
Dujarric said Guterres stressed that both countries must strictly fulfil their obligations under international law and underscored the urgent need to prioritise the protection of civilians.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to exchange views on recent regional developments, particularly the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation.
The ministry said Dar underscored that Pakistan responded "befittingly" to unprovoked Afghan aggression, with the armed forces carrying out air operations under Operation Ghazab lil Haq to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It said both leaders emphasised peace and stability in the region and agreed to stay closely engaged on evolving developments.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions and said he regretted the loss of life on both sides.
He urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to show maximum restraint and immediately stop military operations, while saying Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns should be addressed and Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity respected.
Reconciliation, he said, was only possible at the negotiating table.
— With input from AFP and Reuters
