Malaysian prime minister holds calls with Afghan, Pakistani premiers amid border tensions

​​​​​​​By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke to his counterparts Thursday from Afghanistan and Pakistan amid deadly border tensions.

Anwar said he received a call from Shehbaz Sharif in Pakistan, who shared “updates on the tensions.”

Afghanistan and Pakistan have seen ties deteriorate in recent weeks, with tensions resulting in deadly clashes, leading to at least 88 deaths, including civilians as well as soldiers, on the two sides of the border. There were new reports of fresh clashes on the border late Thursday.

“I emphasized that all sides must exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further aggravate the situation. Malaysia urges all parties to address these tensions through dialogue and diplomatic channels,” Anwar wrote on US social media company X.

He said he exchanged views with Sharif on “initiatives that must be taken to pave the way for peace between the two countries.”

The Malaysian prime minister also spoke to Afghan Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, according to a statement from Kabul.

Sharif, after his call with Anwar, said he briefed the Malaysian prime minister “on recent developments regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism.”

Separately, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Prime Minister Hassan Akhund expressed “concern” about the situation in the region and told Anwar that Kabul “believes in resolving issues through understanding and negotiations.”

He said his government “considers defending its land and people to be its legitimate right.”

There was not a statement from Kuala Lumpur about the conversation with Akhund.

Mujahid said Anwar also expressed “concern” about the situation, expressing hope that the tensions would be resolved through negotiations and mutual understanding.

Anwar added that Malaysia “is trying to play a practical role in this matter through engagement and understanding with both sides,” according to the Afghan spokesman.