Achakzai Urges UN-Backed Talks Between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Rejects Military Pressure

Pakistani opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has called for direct negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan under the auspices of the United Nations, stating that military threats and cross-border attacks will not resolve bilateral disputes. His remarks follow a recent escalation in tensions along the shared border.

On Tuesday, Pakistani military forces conducted an airstrike in the Dangam district of Konar province. The attack reportedly killed three civilians and wounded fourteen others. Achakzai emphasized that dialogue, rather than force, remains the only viable path to addressing longstanding grievances between the two neighboring states.

Diplomatic efforts have recently gained traction, with officials from both sides holding consultations in Urumqi, China. These meetings were evaluated positively by regional observers, offering a potential framework for de-escalation. However, the recent cross-border strike has raised concerns about the durability of these diplomatic channels.

Political analysts and regional experts have warned that sustained military posturing and retaliatory actions threaten to destabilize the broader region. They noted that prolonged insecurity could severely impact trade routes, economic development, and civilian safety in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Achakzai reiterated that a structured, internationally supported dialogue process is necessary to prevent further deterioration of relations.

As both governments navigate these complex security and diplomatic challenges, calls for restraint and renewed engagement continue to grow among regional stakeholders. The outcome of future consultations will likely determine whether the current diplomatic momentum can withstand recent military incidents.