The United Arab Emirates has urged “restraint, wisdom and diplomacy” after heavy exchanges of fire along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier that left dozens reported dead and prompted temporary border closures. Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the UAE is closely monitoring developments and called on both sides to avoid measures that would further inflame tensions.
The warnings come amid one of the fiercest rounds of cross-border fighting in recent months, with both Kabul and Islamabad claiming significant losses. Afghanistan’s authorities said their forces conducted operations that killed dozens of Pakistani troops, while Pakistan reported casualties and said it had destroyed Afghan positions in retaliatory strikes. The fighting forced the temporary closure of major crossings such as Torkham and Chaman, disrupting civilian movement and trade.
Regional capitals quickly voiced concern. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states urged both parties to exercise self-restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent wider destabilisation across South Asia. The UAE’s statement formed part of a broader regional push to cool the situation and prevent spillover into neighbouring countries.
While details remain contested on the ground — with both sides offering differing casualty figures and versions of events — analysts warn that sustained exchanges along the Durand Line raise the risk of prolonged disruption to border communities and trade routes that connect Pakistan with Central Asia. Local officials in border districts reported halted transport and increased military presence as security measures were tightened.
Diplomacy, not escalation, was the message from Abu Dhabi: the UAE encouraged both Islamabad and Kabul to turn to diplomatic channels and international interlocutors to de-escalate and resolve the underlying issues. The appeal mirrors similar statements from other regional actors that have historically played mediating roles in South Asian crises.
Practical fallout was immediate. Pakistan closed several border crossings and temporarily suspended commercial traffic at key points, a move that will slow cross-border trade and affect travellers and freight operators until the situation stabilises. Humanitarian and development groups working in frontier regions also warned of interruptions to aid and civilian movement.
Both Islamabad and Kabul continue to frame the clashes in security terms — Pakistan blaming militants sheltered across the border and Afghanistan defending its right to retaliate against perceived incursions — which complicates prospects for an immediate political solution. Regional observers say sustained third-party engagement and clear communication channels between military and diplomatic leaderships on both sides are essential to avoid miscalculation.
For residents and travellers in the affected border provinces, authorities advised caution: expect checkpoints, travel delays and a heavier security footprint while officials manage the situation. The UAE’s call for calm underlines the wider concern in Gulf capitals that a localised frontier fight could have broader economic and security consequences if not contained quickly.
