UN chief Guterres deeply involved by escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan

UN Secretary Normal Antonio Guterres is deeply involved by the escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and known as for an instantaneous cessation of hostilities.

Comply with Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘open battle’ LIVE

UN chief is “deeply involved by the escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the impression that violence is having on civilian populations. He requires an instantaneous cessation of hostilities, and he reiterates his name on the events to resolve any variations by way of diplomacy,” Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-Normal, stated on the every day press briefing on Friday (February 27, 2026).

Mr. Dujarric additional stated that UN humanitarian officers are voicing concern over the impression of assaults in Afghanistan, together with a reported incident at a transit and reception centre on the Torkham border crossing within the jap a part of Afghanistan.

“We proceed to name on all events to the battle to adjust to their obligations below worldwide humanitarian regulation; particularly, to make sure that civilians are protected always, in addition to civilian infrastructure,” he stated.

UN humanitarian officers have famous that years of battle, poverty and pure disasters, comparable to drought and earthquakes, have left practically half the inhabitants, virtually 22 million males, ladies and kids, in want of humanitarian support.

“This quantity will solely enhance if the combating goes on or escalates,” Mr. Dujarric stated, including that the UN, together with its humanitarian companions, is monitoring the scenario carefully and can proceed to help wherever doable.

UN humanitarian officers additionally want extra funding for his or her operations, he stated, including that they’ve solely acquired 11% — or $181 million — of the $1.7 billion wanted for this yr’s Humanitarian Wants and Response Plan.

Earlier in a press release, the Secretary-Normal had stated he was following with “concern” the stories of cross-border clashes between the de facto safety forces in Afghanistan and Pakistani safety forces.  

Mr. Guterres had urged related events to adjust to their obligations below worldwide regulation, together with worldwide humanitarian regulation, and to make sure the safety of civilians.

“Commending mediation efforts by a number of Member States in current months, the Secretary-Normal urges the events to proceed to hunt to resolve any variations by way of diplomacy,” the assertion had stated.

Responding to a query on Pakistan declaring that it’s in “open battle with Afghanistan”, Mr. Dujarric stated the UN political mission in Kabul is clearly carefully monitoring the scenario, in contact with folks there, and numerous contacts are being had.