Qatar pushes de-escalation as Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes intensify

ISLAMABAD: Qatar has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for de-escalation after a sharp rise in cross-border fighting, as Islamabad reported significant militant losses in its ongoing military response.

According to statements issued by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi held separate telephone conversations with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Doha reaffirmed its full support for resolving disputes through peaceful means and stressed the importance of enhancing regional and international stability. Ways to reduce tensions and strengthen security in the region were discussed with both sides.

The diplomatic outreach comes amid continued hostilities along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistani authorities have described their actions as a measured and proportionate response to what they term unprovoked aggression and cross-border attacks.

According to the latest official figures shared by the military’s media wing, 274 Afghan Taliban personnel and associated militants have been killed and more than 400 injured in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.

In this context, Qatar’s engagement reflects broader regional concern over the risk of further escalation. Islamabad has reiterated that durable peace hinges on effective counterterrorism cooperation and strict adherence to border security arrangements. News Desk