Pakistan rules out talks with Afghanistan amid persistent attacks

A drone attack has struck a mosque in Bannu, Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan, injuring at least five people. The incident occurred as tensions between the two countries escalated into cross-border fighting for a third day.

International leaders are calling for de-escalation and mediation in the conflict. European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged both sides to bring down the temperature and enter talks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia also expressed concerns over the violence, which could affect the wider region.

Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have stated their openness to negotiations to end the conflict. However, Pakistan has refused to engage in dialogue, citing its long-standing demand that Afghanistan stop harbouring “terrorism”. The Pakistani prime minister’s spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s responsibility is to protect its citizens and territory.

The violence has resulted in heavy losses on both sides, with conflicting reports of casualties. Both countries have reported fatalities, but the numbers cannot be independently verified. The United States has expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.

Pakistan has experienced a rise in violence within its borders in recent years, including suicide bombings and coordinated assaults targeting security forces. The country blames Afghanistan for sheltering the Pakistan Taliban, or TTP, which it accuses of carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil. However, Kabul denies these allegations and claims that it does not allow anyone to use Afghan soil for attacks on any country.

The conflict has brought the two countries into their most serious flare-up in violence in months, with Pakistan labeling it an “open war”. The situation remains volatile, with tit-for-tat attacks occurring near the border.

Source: Al Jazeera