Pakistani security officials check people and vehicles at a checkpoint in Islamabad, Pakistan, 27 February 2026. EFE-EPA/ZIYAN SHEIKH

Taliban seek Saudi mediation in conflict with Pakistan

Kabul, Feb 28 (EFE).- The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a telephone conversation on Saturday with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, to address the military escalation with Pakistan and explore ways to de-escalate the crisis through regional diplomacy.

According to a statement from Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi told the Saudi foreign minister that Kabul’s recent military actions were “defensive, reciprocal, and aimed at managing and containing the situation.”

The Taliban official stressed that Afghanistan “harbors no hostile intentions toward anyone” and expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts to promote regional stability, the statement said.

During the call, Prince Faisal bin Farhan underscored the importance of “reducing tensions in the region” and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels, according to the Afghan readout.

The Saudi minister welcomed Kabul’s “clear position” prioritizing dialogue and assured that Saudi Arabia would continue working to promote stability, guided by the principles of “mutual respect” and respect for territorial sovereignty.

The Kabul authorities also reported a prior conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi.

In both calls, the Taliban sought the support of their long-standing Gulf partners to prevent the border tensions from escalating into an open war.

The renewed diplomatic push follows the collapse of earlier mediation efforts in Qatar late last year, when high-level delegations from both countries negotiated a ceasefire that held for only a few weeks. EFE

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