Saudi Arabia, Qatar, China and Iran have stepped up diplomatic efforts to avert a full-blown conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan after recent cross-border clashes and airstrikes threatened to plunge the neighbors into open warfare.

Riyadh and Doha have engaged both Islamabad and Kabul at senior levels to urge restraint and resume talks, while Beijing called for an immediate ceasefire and Tehran offered to facilitate dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Regional mediation follows Pakistan’s extensive bombardment of Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, and repeated exchanges of fire along the Durand Line that separates the two countries, raising fears of a sustained military confrontation.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have launched diplomatic efforts to halt escalating hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as fears grow of a prolonged conflict after Pakistan carried out air strikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities and declared itself in “open war” with the Taliban authorities.

A source familiar with the discussions told AFP that Riyadh, in coordination with Doha, is working at senior levels with both Islamabad and Kabul to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.

“Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Qatar, is making efforts to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.

The aim, the source added, is to “de-escalate the situation and prevent it from spiraling out of control.”

The diplomatic push follows Pakistan’s most extensive bombardment of Afghan territory since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The strikes came after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border posts overnight, in what Kabul described as retaliation for earlier Pakistani air raids.

Yesterday, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held a phone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, according to statements from Doha.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Saudi foreign ministry said.

Riyadh and Doha previously played key roles in mediating between the two neighbors.

In October last year, a ceasefire was brokered with Qatari and Turkish facilitation after clashes left more than 70 people dead on both sides.

However, subsequent rounds of talks in Doha and Istanbul failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Qatar has long maintained channels with the Taliban, hosting a political office for the group in Doha since 2013.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, maintains close military and strategic ties with Pakistan, including a mutual defense pact signed last year. Riyadh recently helped mediate the release of Pakistani soldiers captured during earlier clashes.

China also called for an immediate ceasefire, saying it was “deeply concerned” by the escalation.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was in contact with both sides and was willing to play a constructive role in cooling tensions.

“China calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed,” Mao said at a regular press briefing.

Beijing is a major strategic partner of Pakistan and has invested tens of billions of dollars in infrastructure and energy projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

At the same time, China has strengthened engagement with the Taliban authorities since 2021 and describes itself as a “friendly neighbor” to Afghanistan.

Mao said China had requested that both countries ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and projects, adding that embassies in Islamabad and Kabul were working with relevant authorities.

Iran also offered to facilitate dialogue.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to assist in promoting understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue,” he said in a statement.

Iran, which shares borders with both Pakistan and Afghanistan, has maintained working relations with each side and had similarly offered mediation during previous rounds of violence.

With cross-border fighting intensifying and rival casualty claims mounting, regional powers now appear to be racing to prevent the confrontation from deepening into a sustained military conflict between the two neighbors.