UN chief urges diplomacy amid Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes

KABUL (Pajhwok): UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern over the escalating clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging both sides to resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.

According to reports, Guterres said he is closely monitoring the fighting between the two countries with concern.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, told reporters that the UN chief has called on the parties to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the protection of civilians.

“The Secretary-General appreciates the mediation efforts undertaken by several member states in recent months and urges the parties to continue seeking diplomatic solutions to resolve any differences,” Dujarric said.

The call comes after Pakistani military airstrikes last Saturday night targeted a seminary in Paktika province and a residential house in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province. Seventeen family members, including women and children, were martyred in the Bihsud attack, and several others were injured.

In response, forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan launched heavy retaliatory assaults on Thursday night against Pakistani military outposts across the Durand Line near the provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan.

According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers during the operation, captured two bases and 19 outposts, and forced Pakistani troops to withdraw from four additional positions.

In a statement, the ministry said: “In this operation, eight of our Mujahideen were martyred and 11 others were wounded. Additionally, 13 civilians were injured in a rocket attack on a refugee camp in Nangarhar, some of whom are women and children.”

The clashes reportedly ended around midnight.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said Pakistani forces carried out bombardments in parts of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, adding that there were no reported casualties.

sa