Erdogan Calls for Ceasefire Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Rising Tensions
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, has called for a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan and urged both sides to return to diplomatic dialogue during a phone call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This conversation took place one week after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on parts of Afghan territory.
According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Erdogan emphasized on Tuesday (March 3) that resuming diplomatic talks could prevent further escalation of tensions and pave the way for resolving the crisis. He also expressed Ankara’s readiness to cooperate in any efforts aimed at reducing violence.
Erdogan condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and underscored Turkey’s continued cooperation with Islamabad in the fight against terrorism. However, the official statement made no mention of Afghan civilian casualties resulting from Pakistan’s air raids.
Referring to the ongoing tensions along the Durand Line—the disputed border between the two countries and a frequent source of conflict—Erdogan said Turkey is prepared to play a role in facilitating a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Taliban administration, in response to recent clashes, announced that it is in a “defensive position” and considers continuing the fight a legitimate right. The group warned that hostilities will persist until what it terms “aggression” ends.
