Saudi Arabia welcomes pause in fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Ambulances carry the bodies of victims of an air strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul for a mass burial on Wednesday. (AFP)
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Updated 18 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia welcomes pause in fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan

  • Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry says it will continue diplomatic efforts to achieve peace
  • Pakistan and Afghanistan agree Eid ceasefire after deadly strike on Kabul rehab center

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed on Wednesday a pause in hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan for Eid Al-Fitr.

Pakistan and Afghanistan said on Wednesday they were halting their military operations against each other for Eid, two days after a drug rehab centre in Kabul was hit in the deadliest strike in months. Afghan officials said more than 400 people were killed.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said it appreciates the response of both parties to calls from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye to implement the ceasefire, and “that prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions is the best way to resolve outstanding disputes.”

“The Kingdom affirms that it will continue its tireless diplomatic efforts, in coordination with brotherly and friendly nations, to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region,” the ministry added.