International Crisis Group: Mediation by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia Essential to Reduce Taliban-Pakistan Tensions

The International Crisis Group has urged Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to mediate between the Taliban and Pakistan to reduce border tensions between the two countries.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 10, the organization called on Pakistan to review its trade and migration policies toward Afghanistan. It highlighted the need to accelerate visa issuance and renewals for eligible Afghans, particularly women, journalists and students.

Sima Ahmad, the group's regional director, stated that violence in Pakistan's border areas, primarily led by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, has reached levels unprecedented in more than a decade. She warned of escalating tensions, noting that Pakistan has indicated it will take further action if the Taliban do not act against leaders and fighters of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, raising the risk of renewed conflict between the neighbors.

Ahmad called on the Taliban to take credible measures to prevent cross-border attacks and infiltrations. She cautioned that heightened tensions would only increase regional instability.