Saudi Arabia’s mediation in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reportedly concluded without a successful ceasefire agreement. According to reports from Afghanistan-focused media, a Taliban delegation engaged in talks with Pakistani officials in Riyadh, but these discussions failed to produce tangible results.
The border region between the two countries remains a theatre of significant tension and sporadic conflict. Pakistan has lodged complaints regarding alleged militant activities originating from Afghanistan, while the Afghan government disputes these claims and points to the difficulties faced by returning refugees. This persistent animosity has led to a severely disrupted border.
This Riyadh meeting was the latest in a series of international mediation efforts, including previous attempts by Turkey and Qatar, which also failed to secure a lasting truce. The closure of major border crossings, such as the Durand Line, for an extended period has crippled economic activity, leading to substantial financial losses for traders in both nations. Afghanistan’s economic ministry has called for the separation of trade from political disputes to mitigate further damage.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s calls for de-escalation and restraint, no military or direct diplomatic intervention has been reported. The continued failure to find common ground highlights the deep-rooted challenges in normalizing relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with significant implications for regional security and economic stability.