Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, Afghan Taliban officials have urged that differences be resolved through dialogue. However, Pakistani authorities have not yet issued any statement indicating readiness for negotiations.
Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and group spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated the movement’s position that diplomatic engagement remains the preferred path for resolving disputes.
According to Afghan media reports, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi conveyed to Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khelaifi that the group does not support violence and prefers resolving issues through mutual understanding and respect.
In a speech delivered at a mosque in Khost province, the Taliban interior minister urged Pakistan to avoid actions that could force the Taliban to declare a national uprising. He warned that continued escalation could carry heavy consequences, while also calling on regional and global actors to promote conditions conducive to dialogue and de-escalation.
Afghan media sources quoted Taliban spokesman Mujahid as warning that ongoing clashes could destabilize the region. He emphasized the group’s diplomatic stance but also expressed concern over Pakistani military operations, claiming civilian casualties in Khost and Paktika provinces. Taliban officials alleged that 19 people were killed and 26 injured, mostly women and children.
On the other side, Pakistan’s military spokesperson Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry stated that Pakistani forces conducted operations targeting militant positions across the border.
According to Pakistani military claims, at least 274 individuals described as “Afghan terrorists” were killed in recent strikes. Security operations reportedly destroyed 73 militant outposts and captured 18 others. Pakistani sources also claimed destruction of more than 115 military vehicles, including tanks and armored vehicles, while more than 400 militants were injured.
Pakistan confirmed that 12 of its soldiers were killed during the clashes. Afghan Taliban officials, however, claimed higher Pakistani military casualties and stated that some bodies were in their possession, though these claims remain unverified.
The growing confrontation has prompted diplomatic engagement from several regional countries. States including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey have initiated efforts aimed at de-escalation, while China and Russia have also signaled willingness to facilitate mediation.
At present, it remains uncertain whether regional diplomatic initiatives will succeed in reducing hostilities. Statements from both sides suggest continued mistrust, with Pakistan declaring it will not tolerate threats originating from Afghan territory, while the Taliban warned that it would respond to further attacks.
The situation continues to be monitored as tensions along the border remain high and the risk of further escalation persists.
