Saudi Arabia on Monday welcomed an agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire after a week of fierce border clashes, the worst violence between the South Asian neighbours since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.The ground fighting between the two nations and Pakistani airstrikes across their contested 2,600-km border were triggered after Islamabad demanded that Kabul rein in militants who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan. Kabul denies this.

Both sides agreed to a ceasefire after talks in Doha on Sunday and will meet again on October 25 in Istanbul for detailed discussions. The clashes had already killed dozens and wounded hundreds before the truce deal. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to entrench peace and lasting stability between the two countries during the round of negotiations held in Doha,” the ministry said in an X post on Monday.

The Kingdom expressed support for “all regional and international efforts aimed at consolidating peace and stability” and reaffirmed its “constant keenness on responding to all initiatives that achieve stability and prosperity for the brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples.” “The Kingdom looks forward to this positive step leading to the reduction of tensions along the borders between the two countries,” the ministry added.

Saudi Arabia also commended diplomatic efforts by Qatar and Turkiye in facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia has maintained ties with both Islamabad and Kabul and has repeatedly called for regional cooperation to prevent instability spilling across borders.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)