Saudi Arabia and Qatar are intensifying their diplomatic contacts to contain the military escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a source familiar with the talks said Friday. These efforts come at a time when relations between the two neighbors are witnessing unprecedented tension, after Islamabad bombed Afghan cities and declared “open war” against the Taliban authorities, in an escalation that threatens and destabilizes the region.

Published on: 02/27/2026 - 20:43

A source familiar with the talks said on Friday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are making efforts to stop the escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. These diplomatic efforts come amid growing fears of a worsening conflict after Pakistan bombed cities in Afghanistan, declaring "open war" against the Taliban authorities.

Intermittent confrontations have been taking place between the two countries, which have remained close for a long time, since the Taliban movement once again seized power in Kabul in August 2021.

Read also: What are the roots of the differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan that led to the outbreak of a military conflict between the two countries?

The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said: “Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, is making efforts to reduce tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan in order to ensure that the situation does not get out of control.”

Doha announced that Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi made a phone call on Friday with Qatari chief negotiator Mohammed Al-Khulaifi. A Saudi statement said that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also spoke with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar.

The source added, "Riyadh and Doha have made contacts at the highest level with both sides, and we hope that the confrontation will end as soon as possible."

France 24/AFP

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