{"id":6269,"date":"2025-12-02T09:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T00:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/souqtimes.com\/?p=6269"},"modified":"2025-12-02T09:00:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T00:00:46","slug":"saudi-arabia-steps-in-to-mediate-afghanistan-pakistan-peace-talks-as-tensions-escalate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/souqtimes.com\/ja\/culture\/6269\/","title":{"rendered":"Saudi Arabia Steps In to Mediate Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talks as Tensions Escalate"},"content":{"rendered":"

JAKARTA – <\/strong>High-level delegations from both Afghanistan and Pakistan have arrived in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom prepares to facilitate peace negotiations aimed at de-escalating the increasingly volatile conflict between the two neighboring nations, according to sources.<\/p>\n

Diplomatic Efforts Amid Rising Hostilities<\/h2>\n

The mediation initiative comes as relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated significantly, with both sides engaging in deadly cross-border exchanges last month. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of providing sanctuary to militant organizations, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has orchestrated numerous fatal attacks within Pakistani territory.<\/p>\n

Delegations Arrive in Riyadh<\/h2>\n

Sources indicate that a senior delegation from Afghanistan’s Taliban administration has traveled to the Saudi capital for discussions. The Afghan delegation includes prominent figures such as Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban member, Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi.<\/p>\n

A Pakistani delegation has simultaneously arrived in Saudi Arabia for the talks. The renewed dialogue follows a visit by Saudi Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili to Islamabad last month, setting the stage for Riyadh’s mediation efforts.<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Interests<\/h2>\n

Intelligence sources suggest that Saudi Arabia aims to reassert itself as the leading mediator among Muslim nations through this diplomatic initiative. The Kingdom is reportedly seeking to counter Qatar’s growing influence over the Taliban while also addressing Iran’s established connections with Kabul.<\/p>\n

By engaging both delegations, Riyadh is demonstrating its capacity as an effective regional broker. Saudi intelligence assessments have identified increasing concerns about TTP-related threats and drug trafficking networks that ultimately extend to the Gulf region.<\/p>\n

With Pakistan facing a deteriorating internal security situation, there are fears that instability could spread to the Gulf, where millions of Pakistani expatriates work. Facilitating these peace talks enables Saudi Arabia to proactively address potential regional security challenges.<\/p>\n

Escalating Border Crisis<\/h2>\n

Tensions between the two countries intensified following Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan on November 25, which reportedly killed ten civilians. The Taliban vowed a forceful response “at the right time,” though Pakistan has denied conducting the airstrikes.<\/p>\n

The disputed Durand Line border has become a flashpoint, with both nations reportedly deploying heavy artillery to frontline positions. Intelligence assessments suggest both countries are preparing for potential military confrontation, with the situation remaining highly unpredictable.<\/p>\n

Previous Mediation Attempts Failed<\/h2>\n

Earlier negotiation rounds in Turkey on November 6-7 failed to secure a written guarantee from Kabul to act against TTP militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil. This marked the third consecutive unsuccessful attempt in a series of talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar.<\/p>\n

The negotiation process began in Doha on October 29 following deadly border clashes between October 11-15. That initial round ended without progress, followed by another unproductive meeting in Istanbul on October 25.<\/p>\n

As Saudi Arabia takes on the mediation role, the international community watches closely to see whether Riyadh can succeed where other mediators have struggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Original Article:<\/b><\/p>\n

News 18. (2025, December 1). <\/span>Saudi Arabia To Mediate Peace Talks Between Pakistan And Afghanistan; Delegations Reach Riyadh<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/i>Retrieved from https:\/\/www.news18.com\/world\/saudi-arabia-to-mediate-peace-talks-between-pakistan-and-afghanistan-delegations-reach-riyadh-ws-kl-9742755.html<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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