UAE Urges Pakistan Afghanistan De-escalation Amid Clashes

DUBAI: (Web Desk) – The United Arab Emirates has voiced serious concern over the renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling on both sides to immediately de-escalate and avoid further actions that could worsen regional instability.

In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for restraint, wisdom, and dialogue, urging all parties to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels in order to safeguard peace and stability in South Asia. The ministry reiterated the UAE’s support for confidence-building measures and dialogue initiatives aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of both nations’ peoples for lasting peace and development.

The statement came after Pakistan carried out large-scale air strikes across Afghanistan on Friday, declaring a state of “war” following what it described as a cross-border offensive by Afghan forces a night earlier. Pakistani officials said 29 locations inside Afghanistan were targeted in response.

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The escalation triggered widespread international concern. United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Kingdom appealed for immediate de-escalation, while diplomats from China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar reportedly initiated mediation efforts.

The United States expressed diplomatic backing for Pakistan, with Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, stating on X that Washington supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban-linked attacks.

The military operation marked Pakistan’s most extensive bombardment of Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, including strikes on Kandahar and areas near the Afghan capital. Both sides have claimed to have inflicted significant casualties, further heightening fears of prolonged conflict.