UN Secretary-General Urges Immediate Peace Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Synopsis
In a pressing call for peace, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an immediate halt to the escalating violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and the need for diplomatic resolution.
Key Takeaways
UN Secretary-General calls for peace between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Escalating violence has dire humanitarian implications.
UN urges compliance with international humanitarian law.
Recent clashes resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Diplomatic resolution is essential for regional stability.
United Nations, Feb 28 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for an immediate halt to hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as reported by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
"The Secretary-General is profoundly worried about the increasing violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the repercussions it has on civilian lives," Dujarric mentioned during a daily briefing on Friday (local time).
He emphasized the need for both parties to address their differences through diplomatic channels, as reiterated by the spokesperson.
Regarding the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Dujarric noted that ongoing conflict, poverty, and natural calamities such as drought and earthquakes have rendered nearly half of the population dependent on humanitarian assistance, according to UN humanitarian reports.
"This figure is expected to rise if the violence persists or intensifies," he added.
"We continue to urge all involved parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian law, particularly in safeguarding civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times," Dujarric stated.
Recent border clashes with Pakistan have resulted in at least 19 fatalities and 26 injuries in the eastern provinces of Khost and Paktika, as reported by Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Afghan government.
The majority of the casualties include women and children, Fitrat informed.
In the meantime, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has alleged that a "special circle" within Pakistan is on a mission to disrupt the region following the rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, according to local media reports.
During a press conference in Kandahar, Mujahid called on neighboring nations to put an end to the "troublemakers." He claimed that Afghanistan's air forces had effectively targeted military installations in Pakistan, as reported by Afghanistan's Ariana News.
When questioned about the Taliban's viewpoint on the regional call for a ceasefire, he expressed that Afghanistan desires a peaceful resolution and has engaged in multiple negotiation attempts with Pakistan; however, he claimed that Islamabad has been unwilling to resolve the issues through dialogue.
Point of View
The recent escalation in hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a significant concern for regional stability. The humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence demands immediate attention and a diplomatic approach to resolving disputes. A peaceful solution is imperative for the welfare of civilians caught in the crossfire.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the UN Secretary-General called for?
Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
What is the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?
Nearly half of Afghanistan's population is in need of humanitarian aid due to conflict, poverty, and natural disasters.
What did the Taliban spokesperson claim regarding Pakistan?
Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that a special circle in Pakistan is attempting to destabilize the region.
How many casualties were reported from the recent border clashes?
At least 19 people were killed and 26 injured in border clashes with Pakistan.
What is the Taliban's stance on resolving issues with Pakistan?
The Taliban seeks a peaceful resolution and has engaged in negotiations, but claims Pakistan is unwilling to dialogue.
