Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi Holds Talks with Omani Counterpart on Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a phone call with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi to discuss recent developments between Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to a statement from the Afghan Foreign Ministry released on March 11.

Muttaqi explained Kabul's position on the clashes, while both ministers emphasized resolving regional disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. They also condemned recent U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, expressing concern over the expansion of conflict in the Middle East.

Khaama Press reported that fighting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border began around two weeks ago, with Pakistani forces conducting air and rocket strikes in several Afghan provinces. The United Nations stated that at least 185 people were killed or injured in the Pakistani attacks, displacing more than 20,000 families. Both sides have issued conflicting claims on military casualties, with independent verification difficult.

ToloNews, citing the ministry statement, noted that Muttaqi outlined the Islamic Emirate's stance on Pakistan's attacks and its reciprocal defensive actions. The outlet also reported that Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers discussed the Kabul-Islamabad tensions, with China's special envoy actively shuttling between the countries to promote dialogue and prevent escalation.

Political analyst Weis Naseri said China's mediation could be positive but unlikely to resolve the dispute without agreement from Kabul and Islamabad. ToloNews added that a three-member delegation of Pakistani religious scholars, led by Maulana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, arrived in Kabul to reduce tensions, though details of their meetings were not disclosed. Analyst Janat Fahim Chakari said the visit could be effective but would not lead to a ceasefire or peace.