Efforts by Saudi Arabia to facilitate a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reportedly ended without success. According to reports, a delegation from Afghanistan traveled to Riyadh for crucial talks with Pakistani officials, aiming to quell the escalating border conflict. However, these high-stakes negotiations failed to yield any positive outcomes, marking another setback in the pursuit of lasting peace. This development comes after previous mediation attempts by Turkey and Qatar also proved unsuccessful in bringing the two nations to a consensus.
The region has experienced heightened military activity recently, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan government of providing sanctuary to militants who carry out attacks within its borders. Afghanistan has refuted these claims and has voiced concerns about the treatment of Afghan refugees being deported from Pakistan. The protracted closure of the Durand Line border crossing, a vital artery for trade, has exacerbated economic hardships for both countries, prompting calls from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy to separate political matters from economic cooperation.
The economic repercussions are significant, with the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry reporting substantial losses for businesses. While Saudi Arabia has historically been an ally, its role in this conflict has been limited to diplomatic appeals for de-escalation, rather than direct intervention. The failure of these Riyadh-based talks further complicates the already strained relationship and the broader quest for regional stability.