Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, urged Pakistan on Monday to pursue dialogue rather than military action in its tensions with the Taliban, warning that recent cross-border violence risks fueling instability and radicalization.
Speaking alongside Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Kallas said the conflict between Pakistan and Taliban had exacted a significant humanitarian toll.
“Pakistan has the right to defend itself and its people in line with international law, but dialogue, not air strikes, are the best-off ramp in this situation,” Kallas said.
She added that the European Union had consistently called on both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.
“Here, in the region, Pakistan has been locked in a conflict with Afghanistan,” Kallas said. “The fighting in recent weeks has had grave humanitarian consequences and also risks fuelling further instability and radicalization.”
Her remarks come amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban over security, cross-border militancy and border management.
For his part, Dar said he had discussed security concerns with Kallas, including what he described as militant groups operating from Afghanistan’s territory.
“We have also discussed security issues and terrorism, including the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan elements on Afghan soil,” Dar said, using terms often employed by Pakistani officials to refer to militant groups. “Their continued attacks against Pakistan remain our top concern.”
Dar said he had emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter in addressing regional and international challenges.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have deteriorated sharply over the past year. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of allowing members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for attacks inside Pakistan, to operate from Afghanistan’s territory. The Taliban have denied the allegations and insist they do not permit any group to use Afghanistan to threaten other countries.
The dispute has led to periodic border closures and military confrontations. Major border crossings between the two countries have experienced repeated disruptions since late February, affecting trade and the movement of people.
Tensions escalated further after a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul on March 16 killed at least 269 civilians, according to the UN figures.
Taliban have also called for dialogue with Pakistan while rejecting accusations that they harbor militants targeting Pakistani territory.
The EU has maintained engagement with both sides and has repeatedly stressed the need for regional stability, warning that continued conflict could worsen humanitarian conditions in a region already grappling with displacement, economic hardship and security challenges.
