Qatari, Pakistani diplomats discuss regional issues amid escalating Afghanistan border clashes

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call Thursday from Qatar's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, as tensions escalate along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border following days of cross-border clashes and airstrikes. The conversation focused on "bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest," according to Pakistan's Foreign Office, though it remained unclear whether the latest border violence was specifically discussed.

Diplomatic Context

Earlier Thursday, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi confirmed that during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Doha earlier this week, "regional issues were discussed, including possibly Afghanistan." Qatar has maintained diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, positioning itself as a potential mediator in regional conflicts. The Qatari Foreign Ministry separately condemned attacks across Pakistan this week that killed at least nine police officers, though Doha issued no immediate statement about the phone call with Dar.

Escalating Border Violence

The diplomatic engagement comes as Afghanistan announced it launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan, targeting military centers and installations along the border. Pakistan confirmed the "unprovoked action" and said it was met with an "immediate and effective" response. Both sides reported casualties, though claims could not be independently verified. The clashes follow Pakistan's announcement Sunday that it carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, reportedly killing 70 "terrorists," while Afghan officials said dozens of civilians were killed and vowed retaliation. The UN mission in Kabul confirmed 17 civilian deaths in those strikes, a figure Islamabad disputed.

Regional Implications

Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant attacks in recent months, many attributed to the Pakistani Taliban and banned Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad accuses the Pakistani Taliban of operating from Afghan territory, a charge the Taliban-led government in Kabul repeatedly denies. The escalating border violence threatens to further destabilize a region already grappling with security challenges, with Qatar's diplomatic outreach suggesting international concern over the deteriorating situation between the two neighboring countries.