Regional Powers Urge Restraint Amid Escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions

ISLAMABAD – October 12, 2025—As military tensions escalate along the Pakistan-Afghan border, Regional Powers, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have called for calm and urged both nations to resolve their differences through dialogue.

The appeals for restraint come after deadly clashes erupted following reported Pakistani airstrikes on militant hideouts in Afghanistan, which Islamabad said were used by banned outfits like Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK) and ISIS.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated, “We urge both countries to act with restraint and wisdom. Peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan is vital for regional stability.”

Saudi Arabia echoed this position, expressing concern over the violence and appealing for de-escalation. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of diplomacy and urged both sides to avoid steps that could further destabilize the region.

Tensions soared after Pakistan reportedly targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border, capturing 20 Afghan posts. Kabul, however, accused Islamabad of violating Afghan sovereignty. The Afghan Ministry of Defense claimed to have launched retaliatory operations.

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Complicating matters further, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during a visit to New Delhi, Afghanistan’s first high-level contact with India since 2021—blamed Pakistan for attacks in Kabul, raising further questions about Kabul’s geopolitical alignments.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry defended the strikes as acts of self-defense, citing a surge in attacks on Pakistani soil launched from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, DG ISPR and Foreign Office officials reiterated that operations targeted militants, not Afghan state forces.

The situation remains tense, with diplomatic engagement now seen as critical to avoid a broader conflict.