Khalilzad Warns of Renewed Rise in Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions

DID Press: Former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad has warned of escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan following a statement by the Taliban’s Defense Ministry claiming it had targeted Islamic State (ISIS) positions and Pakistani intelligence-linked networks across the Durand Line.

Reacting to the statement, Khalilzad said relations between Kabul and Islamabad appear to be deteriorating once again, raising concerns about regional stability and security.

He called on regional actors, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye, to play a more active mediating role and help ease tensions between the two neighboring countries.According to Khalilzad, the dispute is deeply rooted and complex, and can only be effectively managed through dialogue and sustained diplomatic engagement.

He also stated that Afghanistan is prepared to engage in talks aimed at resolving outstanding issues and urged Pakistan to pursue diplomacy rather than further escalating security tensions.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained in recent years, with both sides frequently exchanging accusations over cross-border militancy and security concerns.