- Iran offers to facilitate dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.
- The UN calls for the protection of civilians and the obligations of international law.
- Pakistan says 133 militants were killed in cross-border operation.
World powers called for restraint as China, Russia, Iran and the United Nations pressed Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately end cross-border attacks and pursue diplomacy amid rising tensions.
Pakistan has provided a strong and comprehensive response to the unprovoked aggression of the Afghan Taliban regime, killing 133 militants and injuring over 200, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar confirmed on Friday.
Security forces launched Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq after the Taliban regime’s unprovoked action along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Security sources said Pakistani armed forces destroyed several key Afghan Taliban posts. Following Pakistan’s decisive action, the Afghan Taliban reportedly raised white flags at several locations.
China
China expressed deep concern about the escalation along the Pakistan-Afghan border, its foreign ministry said, as Pakistani and Afghan forces clashed after the Taliban launched what they called retaliatory strikes against Pakistani installations.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Beijing was mediating through its own channels and was ready to play a constructive role in calming the situation.
Russia
Russia called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to immediately end cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through diplomacy, and said it would consider offering mediation if both sides requested it, according to comments cited by RIA press agency.
RIAciting the Russian Foreign Ministry, reported that Moscow was urging the two neighbors to stop attacks “immediately” and resolve disputes diplomatically. The Foreign Ministry also said Russia would consider offering mediation if both sides requested it.
Iran
Iran also offered to help “facilitate dialogue” between Afghanistan and Pakistan after tensions erupted, AFP reported.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide all necessary assistance to facilitate dialogue and strengthen understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a message on X.
UN
In Geneva, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned by the recent tensions, said his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Dujarric said Guterres stressed that both countries must strictly fulfill their obligations under international law and stressed the urgent need to prioritize the protection of civilians.
— With contributions from AFP and Reuters
