FO condemns Afghan firing and highlights mediation efforts in tensions between the US and Iran

Pakistan on Thursday condemned “unprovoked firing and shelling” by Afghan forces along the border, saying civilians were targeted in the latest cross-border incidents, while reaffirming its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said during a weekly briefing.

He stated that Afghan forces opened fire on April 26 and 29 in the border areas of South Waziristan, including Angoor Adda. “Afghan forces have carried out unprovoked shooting and shelling targeting the civilian population,” he said, adding that women and children – including those aged three, eight and 10 – were among the wounded.

He said several houses were also damaged, noting that local elders had condemned the attacks and demanded an immediate stop. “We reiterate these concerns and express our strongest condemnation,” he said, adding that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the affected families and is taking “all possible measures” to prevent further incidents.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated in recent months over mutual accusations of cross-border militancy. Islamabad maintains that militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are operating from Afghan territory, while Kabul denies the allegations and accuses Pakistan of violating its sovereignty through alleged attacks.

Recent claims of civilian casualties in Afghanistan’s Kunar province have further heightened tensions, with Pakistan dismissing the reports as “false” and accusing the Afghan authorities of disinformation.

The situation has strained already fragile relations since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, despite periodic mediation efforts and calls for dialogue.

Separately, Andrabi said Pakistan maintains “sustained engagement” with both Washington and Tehran to support de-escalation and ceasefire efforts. He said Pakistan’s approach reflects the country’s commitment to “constructive diplomatic engagement” aimed at promoting regional stability.

“Pakistan remains committed to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preference for principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy,” he said.

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He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir have remained engaged with key stakeholders and have maintained “open channels of communication” with both sides.

The spokesman stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz held several telephone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, including a 45-minute call on April 19 that reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.

During recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, regional leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role, he noted.

Andrabi further said that an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also recently visited Islamabad for talks on regional stability. According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan is quietly facilitating back-channel engagement between the US and Iran aimed at easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iran has proposed prioritizing the reopening of the strait while delaying nuclear talks, while Washington prefers a comprehensive deal that addresses both issues simultaneously. Despite strong public sentiment, sources suggest the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is likely to hold for now, with ongoing diplomatic efforts reducing the risk of immediate escalation.

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The spokesperson further informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz has held discussions with European Council President Antonio Costa and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, both of whom appreciated Pakistan’s efforts.

Separately, an EU business delegation visited Pakistan, with more than 600 B2B meetings held, he said, highlighting investment opportunities in energy, IT and communications, he noted.

At the multilateral level, the “R4” group – consisting of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt – met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation, he added.

Regarding the Israel-Palestine situation, Andrabi said Pakistan has joined joint statements condemning Israeli actions, including violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and concerns over the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

He also noted that President Asif Ali Zardari is currently on an official visit to China to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

During the visit, three MoUs were signed in the fields of desalination, agriculture and the tea sector, including a Karachi seawater desalination project, agricultural technology transfer in Sindh and a tea industry partnership between Pakistani and Chinese firms.

Zardari also presented the Sitara-i-Pakistan to Professor Pan Xiangbin in recognition of his contribution to cardiac care, describing it as a reflection of the “tangible benefits” of Pakistan-China cooperation in health and development, he maintained.