Calls for restraints
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD HAVE URGED THE WARRING PARTIES TO SHOW RESTRAINT.
Agencies, Islamabad/Kabul
Published: 28 Feb 2026, 12:00 AM
Taliban soldiers load ammunition in a vehicle, following exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, near Torkham border, in Afghanistan, 27 February 2026. Photo: Reuters
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation, expressing deep concern over the surge in violence.
In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres urged both nations to adhere strictly to their obligations under Pakistan Afghanistan conflict reaction, Antonio Guterres statement, Abbas Araghchi Iran, Russia mediation offer, India condemns air strikes, China foreign ministry Mao Ning, UK Yvette Cooper response, with a specific emphasis on international humanitarian law.
Guterres underscored the urgent need for both parties to prioritise the protection of civilians as confrontations continue.
Iran
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been involved in intensive talks with the United States to avert conflict engulfing his own nation, has urged the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and good neighbourly principles, as he highlighted the significance of the holy month of Ramadan as a time for self-restraint and Islamic solidarity.
In a post on X early Friday, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to support the process, stating his country is prepared to provide any necessary assistance to facilitate constructive dialogue, deepen mutual understanding and promote cooperation between Kabul and Islamabad.
Russia
Russia has urged the warring parties to halt cross-border attacks immediately and resolve their differences through diplomatic means, the RIA news agency reported on Friday, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Russia has also offered to mediate if both sides agree.
India
The country’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “strongly” condemns Pakistan’s air strikes, noting that they took place during the holy month of Ramadan.
“It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures,” Jaiswal said in a statement on X. India has strengthened ties with the Taliban recently, and Islamabad accuses New Delhi of funding groups in Afghanistan and in Pakistan itself to undermine Pakistan’s security, which India denies.
Turkiye
A Turkish diplomatic source told the Reuters news agency that Hakan Fidan, Turkiye’s top diplomat, held discussions on the ongoing conflict in separate calls with foreign ministers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the Qatari minister of state at the foreign ministry, held a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
A statement by the Qatari foreign ministry said that the sides discussed the ways to deescalate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in a manner that enhances security and stability in the region.
China
Beijing is deeply concerned over the escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. China has been mediating the conflict through its own channels, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular news conference. China is willing to play a constructive role in cooling the situation, she added.
United Kingdom
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper posted on X that, “The UK is deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re engage in mediated dialogue.