Uzbekistan expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and called on the parties to immediately cease hostilities, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

"The Republic of Uzbekistan expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of the situation on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Uzbekistan calls on the parties to immediately cease fire, exercise maximum restraint, and prevent further escalation of tensions," the statement said.

All arising disagreements should be resolved exclusively through peaceful, political-diplomatic means based on principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states, the ministry added.

Previously, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced the start of an open war with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The escalation occurred amid airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar, as well as mutual accusations of supporting terrorism. According to both sides, dozens have been killed and several positions lost.

In turn, the spokesperson for Afghanistan's supreme leader, Zabihullah Mujahid, announced the start of a large-scale retaliatory operation against Pakistani military facilities. According to him, these actions were in response to airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and other provinces of the country.

Source: kun.uz