UAE calls on Pakistan and Afghanistan to avoid escalation

The United Arab Emirates has expressed concern over the renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, after calling for a de-escalation of tensions and urging all parties to avoid any escalation that could further aggravate the situation in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) emphasized the importance of prioritizing reason and wisdom, and of adopting diplomatic means to resolve disputes in a way that enhances security and stability in South Asia.

It also reaffirmed UAE's support for efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and building confidence between the two sides, in order to fulfil the aspirations of the peoples of both countries for peace and development.

Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan and declared a state of “war” with its neighbour on Friday, drawing diplomatic support from Washington but a chorus of concern from others in the international community.

Pakistan, which launched the strikes to retaliate for a cross-border Afghan offensive on Thursday night, said that 29 locations across Afghanistan had been "subjected to aerial targeting.".

In response to the sharp surge in hostilities, Britain, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross called for immediate de-escalation while diplomats in China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar began efforts to calm the tensions.

The United States for its part "expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks," Allison Hooker, the under secretary of state for political affairs, wrote on X after talks with a Pakistani counterpart.

The operation was Pakistan's most widespread bombardment of Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and included strikes on their southern power base, Kandahar, as well as the Afghan capital.

It was launched after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night in retaliation for earlier air strikes by Islamabad. Both sides claimed they inflicted significant casualties.