Saudi Arabia has expressed willingness to mediate between the Taliban and Pakistan as tensions escalate between the two sides, sources confirmed to Amu. The development comes after Iran also offered to facilitate talks between the two sides.
In the latest diplomatic effort, a high-level delegation from Turkey is expected to visit Pakistan next week for discussions aimed at easing the standoff.
The renewed tensions follow failed negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani officials in Istanbul, where two rounds of talks ended without resolution.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently criticized previous engagement efforts with the Taliban, including official visits to Kabul that he said only increased the Taliban’s leverage. He blamed past strategic decisions for contributing to the country’s internal instability, saying the threat of conflict with India remains serious.
The rift between Pakistan and the Taliban has deepened in recent months over Islamabad’s accusations that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group, is operating from Afghan soil and launching cross-border attacks. The Taliban deny providing safe haven to the group.
The ongoing strain has resulted in the closure of at least five key border crossings between the two countries, disrupting trade and civilian movement.
Saudi Arabia’s mediation offer marks an effort by regional powers to prevent further deterioration in Taliban-Pakistan relations. Analysts say Riyadh’s move reflects its broader interest in maintaining regional stability and enhancing its diplomatic role in South Asia.
