Pakistan, Afghanistan need new start

September 20, 2026

Afghanistan’s willingness to maintain good relations with Pakistan and its call for Saudi Arabia to help resolve differences between the two neighbours should be welcomed. At a time when relations between Kabul and Islamabad remain troubled, every serious opening for dialogue deserves attention. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said Afghanistan wants continued dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan and hopes Riyadh will play a constructive role. His remarks are important because neither country can afford an endless cycle of mistrust, accusations and border tensions. The good start could be expulsion of TTP militants from Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long border, deep cultural and religious ties and strong links between their people. Families, traders and communities on both sides have been connected for generations. Ordinary Afghans and Pakistanis have little to gain from prolonged tension between their governments.

But goodwill alone will not resolve the problems between the two countries. Pakistan has repeatedly raised serious security concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan territory and has demanded that Afghan soil not be used for attacks against Pakistan. These concerns cannot simply be set aside. At the same time, disputes cannot be resolved through accusations alone. Kabul and Islamabad need a sustained process of direct engagement in which security concerns are discussed openly and practical solutions are sought. Saudi Arabia’s willingness to facilitate dialogue can provide useful diplomatic space. Riyadh has close relations with both countries and can encourage both sides to remain engaged when tensions rise. Its role should support direct talks rather than replace them. The responsibility, however, ultimately rests with Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both sides must recognise that geography has made them permanent neighbours. They cannot walk away from each other. The two governments should therefore use the present opportunity to rebuild trust step by step. Border management, security concerns, trade, transit, refugees and other outstanding issues should be addressed through regular dialogue and clear commitments. Afghanistan must take Pakistan’s security concerns seriously, while Pakistan should continue pursuing solutions through diplomacy and engagement.