Call for ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan

KABUL/ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan's Taliban ​rulers said on Friday they were willing to negotiate after Pakistan bombed its forces in major cities and dozens of troops were killed in the most serious clashes as the United Nations and many countries called for a ceasefire between the two countries.
The diplomatic drive comes as fears of a spiralling conflict grew after Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan, declaring that they were in an 'open war' with the Taliban.
'Afghanistan has never been a supporter of violence and has always preferred to resolve ​issues based on mutual understanding and respect', the Afghan foreign ministry quoted Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi as telling Qatar's junior Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al Khulaifi by telephone.
'Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you (Afghanistan)', ‌Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Friday.
Pakistan's foreign ministry warned that any new provocations by the Taliban, or attempts by any 'terrorist group' to target Pakistanis, will be ​met with a 'measured, decisive and befitting response'.
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, spoke with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, according to a Saudi statement.
'Riyadh and Doha have been in contact at the highest levels with both sides and we hope the confrontation will end as soon as possible', the source added.
Iran has urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to de-escalate rising tensions in the wake of overnight strikes.
Tehran is 'ready to provide any assistance to facilitate dialogue', Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X on Friday.
'During the holy month of Ramadhan, a month of restraint and strengthening solidarity in the Islamic world, it is appropriate for Afghanistan and Pakistan to manage and resolve existing differences within the framework of good neighbourliness and through dialogue', he said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over reports of cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, his spokesman said on Thursday.
Guterres 'is following with concern the reports of cross-border clashes between the de facto security forces in Afghanistan and Pakistani security forces', said Stephane Dujarric.
'He urges the relevant parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians', Dujarric added.
China's Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was 'deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict'.
Britain was 'deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan', UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said.
'We urge both sides to take immediate steps towards de?escalation, avoid further harm to civilians and reengage in mediated dialogue', Britain's top diplomat wrote on X.
'Of course, the direct military clashes that have ‌taken place do not bode ​well. Therefore we ⁠hope that they will ​cease as soon as possible... ‌Like everyone else, we are closely monitoring this situation', ​Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman ​Maria ‌Zakharova said ⁠Moscow was concerned by the sharp military escalation between the two neighbours.
'We call ​on our friends Afghanistan and ⁠Pakistan to abandon ​this dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table to resolve all differences through political and diplomatic means', she wrote ​on Telegram. — Agencies