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Atmar calls on Muslim scholars to condemn “unjustified” violence in Afghanistan
Haneef Atmar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called on the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to step up their support for the Afghan peace process.
Addressing the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, the capital of Niger, Atmar urge the Ulema across Muslim countries to condemn the “unjustified” violence in Afghanistan
“We urge you all to join hands and support the Afghanistan peace process and to encourage Ulema across the OIC member states in condemnation of the violence in Afghanistan and support of the peace process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Atmar raised his concerns over the spike of violence across the country. He stated that the Afghan people “today continue to experience violence at the hands of our terrorist enemies on a daily basis.”
He pointed out that attacks on civilians have been increased – both in frequency and in the savagery of violence – in recent months.
“In Kabul alone, we have witnessed levels of depravity and attacks on civilian targets that are totally unprecedented from a killing spree in a maternity hospital to a suicide bomb inside a classroom full of young students in a private education facility, to a large-scale attack on Kabul University.”
“Targeted assassination of our moderate Ulema, human rights activists and journalists have added to the frenzy of violence,” Atmar highlighted.
Atmar also called on the OIC states to push the Taliban for peace and end the conflict in Afghanistan.
“We call on the OIC and its member states that have influenced in the Afghan peace process to continue to urge Taliban to pursue peace and an end into the conflict with greater urgency and sensitivity,” Atmar noted.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Thursday that at China’s initiative, a mid-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has arrived in the country to hold official talks with the Pakistani side in line with its principled position.
Qahar said in a statement that these talks are set to begin in the city of Urumqi with the mediation of the Chinese government.
According to Balkhi, this process is being carried forward at China’s request and on the basis of mutual respect and constructive engagement with that country.
He added that the Islamic Emirate is participating in these meetings based on a balanced and principled approach, and intends to hold comprehensive and responsible discussions with the other side on good neighborly relations, strengthening trade ties, and the effective management of security issues.
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate believes diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive understanding can find practical and sustainable solutions to the existing issues between the two countries and help provide a foundation for stability and cooperation in the region.
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially begun in the Chinese city of Urumqi, sources told Ariana News on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he hopes the discussions will help bring an end to ongoing tensions and conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andarabi, said the talks involve senior officials and rejected claims that they are merely low-level engagements, calling such reports a “false narrative.”
Islamabad confirmed it has dispatched a delegation to Urumqi, reiterating its longstanding position that Afghanistan must address Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly regarding militant groups.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbors of China, adding that Beijing supports resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China has also been actively facilitating mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
More than 1,200 Iranian nationals have returned home since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with many travelling through neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Armenia, according to reports.
Citing figures from Tasnim News Agency, a total of 1,262 Iranians have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates since hostilities began. The returns come amid tightening travel restrictions and disrupted regional transport links.
Iranian authorities have formally requested that the UAE facilitate additional evacuation efforts, including the organisation of sea transport and access to a dedicated airstrip to expedite the return of citizens still stranded abroad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dubai-based airline Emirates indicated on its website that Iranian nationals were no longer permitted to enter or transit through the UAE, further complicating travel options for those seeking to return home.
The developments come as regional airspace disruptions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict have significantly curtailed commercial travel routes across parts of the Middle East. With direct flights limited or suspended, many Iranians have been forced to rely on indirect and often complex routes through neighboring countries.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Armenia have emerged as key transit points due to their geographic proximity and continued land access, allowing travelers to bypass restricted air corridors.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing civilians in conflict-affected regions, where shifting aviation policies, border controls, and security risks have made cross-border movement increasingly difficult.
Authorities continue to explore alternative evacuation channels as demand for safe return routes remains high.
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