In a major diplomatic blow to Islamabad, Afghanistan has rejected visa applications of Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, ISI chief Asim Malik, and two senior military officials. According to TOLOnews, their applications were turned down thrice over the past three days, derailing Pakistan’s bid to initiate peace talks amid intensifying border tensions.
As border clashes between the two countries escalate, US President Donald Trump weighed in on the conflict, expressing readiness to mediate. “I heard there is now a war between Pakistan and Afghanistan, so I decided to wait until I return. I am skilled at resolving conflicts and establishing peace doing so is an honour,” Trump said while en route to Israel.
Meanwhile, China urged both nations to exercise restraint and safeguard Chinese citizens and projects in the region. “Pakistan and Afghanistan are both China’s friends and neighbours. It is in their long-term interest to strengthen cooperation and jointly fight terrorism,” Beijing stated.
Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have surged following deadly cross-border clashes. The Pakistan Army confirmed that at least 23 of its soldiers and more than 200 militants linked to the Taliban were killed in overnight fighting. In contrast, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 30 others injured.
China, which maintains a trilateral engagement channel with both Pakistan and Afghanistan, continues to push for dialogue amid Islamabad’s allegations that Kabul shelters anti-Pakistan militant outfits, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
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