Saudi Arabia’s latest attempt to mediate a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan has reportedly ended in failure, according to a media outlet specializing in Afghan news. A Taliban delegation is said to have traveled to the Saudi capital for high-level discussions with Pakistani representatives. Despite the diplomatic engagement, the talks did not yield the desired results, marking another setback in efforts to establish lasting peace.
The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been a flashpoint for conflict, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan. Afghanistan has refuted these claims and raised concerns about the treatment of its citizens being expelled from Pakistan. The ongoing tensions have led to significant disruptions in trade and cross-border movement.
This mediation initiative by Saudi Arabia follows earlier, unsuccessful attempts by Turkey and Qatar to facilitate a truce. The closure of key border crossings, like the Durand Line, for nearly two months has severely impacted bilateral trade, prompting calls from Afghanistan’s economy ministry to decouple economic relations from political disputes.
Concerns are mounting over the economic fallout, with chambers of commerce in both nations highlighting substantial losses for traders. While Saudi Arabia has advocated for de-escalation, its direct involvement in resolving the conflict has been limited to diplomatic appeals. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a resolution to the protracted issues between the two neighboring countries.