The United Nations (UN) has called for an urgent easing of tensions as the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. Senior UN officials have appealed to both sides to exercise restraint and prioritise the protection of civilians amid reports of cross-border clashes.
Call for calm and civilian protection
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, stressed the need for immediate de-escalation. In a post on X, Bennett said, “Once again I call for calm and respect for international human rights & humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians, in the current tensions between #Pakistan and #Afghanistan which have very regrettably flowed into violence. Immediate de-escalation is essential.”
Once again I call for calm and respect for international human rights & humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians, in the current tensions between #Pakistan and #Afghanistan which have very regrettably flowed into violence. Immediate de-escalation is essential
— UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) February 27, 2026
Secretary-General expresses concern
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed concern over reports of cross-border hostilities. According to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres is closely monitoring the situation.
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The Secretary-General is “following with concern the reports of cross-border clashes between the de facto security forces in Afghanistan and Pakistani security forces,” Dujarric said on Thursday.
"He urges the relevant parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians”, he further added.
Push for diplomatic resolution
In addition to urging restraint, the Secretary-General has recognised the mediation efforts that have been carried out by several member states of the UN in the past few months.
As the tensions continue to rise, the UN’s message has been clear: avoid escalation, protect civilians, and engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.
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What’s happening?
The tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated to new heights following Islamabad’s declaration of “open war” against the Afghan Taliban government. The tensions escalated further following airstrikes by Pakistan in Kabul and Kandahar on Friday in response to attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani troops along the border. The Taliban government stated that the airstrikes were in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes that killed Afghan forces. Pakistan reported that its forces killed 133 Afghan fighters. However, the Afghan government stated that 55 Pakistani troops died in the attack.
