UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Welcomes Afghanistan-Pakistan Ceasefire, Urges "durable" End To Fighting

Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published October 16, 2025 | 11:19 PM

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and called for the parties to agree to a durable end to the fighting

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Oct, 2025) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and called for the parties to agree to a durable end to the fighting.

"The Secretary-General has been following with concern the reports of armed clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have killed and injured many civilians, and welcomes the announcement of a temporary ceasefire," his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement he read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

Asked whether the UN chief has contacted leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Dujarric said, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has been in touch with both sides.

He added, "The Secretary-General calls on the parties to agree to a durable end to the fighting and to engage in dialogue so that civilians can be protected and to prevent further loss of life".

The UN Mission also issued a statement in Kabul welcoming the ceasefire announcement.

Afghanistan has been under Taliban rule since 2021, the statement said, noting that relations between the neighbouring countries have deteriorated since then.

Pakistan says that Afghanistan is harbouring terrorist groups who have frequently carried out attacks on its territory in which many civilians have lost lives.

UNAMA also said it had received credible reports of significant civilian casualties because of the violence.

“UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life,” the statement said.

It also reminded the parties their obligations to comply with the key principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution to prevent civilian casualties, in line with international law.