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UAE calls for de-escalation of Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, prioritizing reason
Pakistan's strikes in Afghanistan on Friday were its most widespread bombardment of its neighbour since the Taliban returned to power in 2021
- PUBLISHED: Sat 28 Feb 2026, 7:10 AM
The United Arab Emirates expressed concern over the renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, after calling for a de-escalation of tensions and urging all parties to avoid any escalation that could further aggravate the situation in the region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) emphasized the importance of prioritizing reason and wisdom, and of adopting diplomatic means to resolve disputes in a way that enhances security and stability in South Asia.
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It also reaffirmed UAE's support for efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and building confidence between the two sides, in order to fulfill the aspirations of the peoples of both countries for peace and development.
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Renewed clashes
Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan and declared a state of "war" with its neighbor on Friday, drawing diplomatic support from Washington but a chorus of concern from others in the international community.
Pakistan, which launched the strikes to retaliate for a cross-border Afghan offensive on Thursday night, said that 29 locations across Afghanistan had been "subjected to aerial targeting.".
In response to the sharp surge in hostilities, Britain, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross called for immediate de-escalation while diplomats in China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar began efforts to calm the tensions.
The United States for its part "expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks," Allison Hooker, the under secretary of state for political affairs, wrote on X after talks with a Pakistani counterpart.
The operation was Pakistan's most widespread bombardment of Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and included strikes on their southern power base, Kandahar, as well as the Afghan capital.
It was launched after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night in retaliation for earlier air strikes by Islamabad. Both sides claimed they inflicted significant casualties.
(With inputs from AFP)
Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.
