INTERNATIONAL — February 18, 2026
Islamic Emirate Releases Three Captured Pakistani Soldiers to Saudi Delegation
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has freed three Pakistani soldiers captured in 2025 clashes and transferred them to a Saudi Arabian delegation, citing positive diplomacy and the upcoming Ramadan.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with RTA — 2 min read
KABUL — Molavi Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, announced that the Islamic Emirate has released three Pakistani soldiers captured during clashes on Oct. 12, 2025.
The soldiers were handed over to a delegation from Saudi Arabia, in line with the Islamic Emirate's policy of maintaining positive relations with all countries and ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Mujahid stated that the release responds positively to a request from Saudi Arabia. It coincides with the hosting of the Saudi negotiating delegation, which arrived in Kabul on the previous Monday.
No further details on the clashes or the soldiers' identities were provided in the announcement.
Read the original reporting at RTA →
Reliability assessment
Single source with direct, on-record attribution to named spokesperson Molavi Zabihullah Mujahid, including concrete details such as capture date (Oct. 12, 2025), number of soldiers (three), and handover to Saudi delegation.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
RTA
Originating
Filed under
International — Islamic Emirate, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, prisoner release, diplomacy
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
US Official Says Doha Process Should Not Replace UNAMA Role
— Reliable
China Calls for Lifting Taliban Restrictions on Women Working in UN Institutions
— Reliable
Denmark's UN Representative Urges Immediate Appointment of New Special Envoy for Afghanistan
— Reliable
US and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding to End Conflicts
— Unverified