Doha: Qatari newspapers on Saturday focused their editorials on the intensive diplomatic efforts led by the State of Qatar to reduce regional escalation, particularly regarding tensions between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The papers said these efforts reflect a Qatari vision centered on proactive engagement to prevent crises from deteriorating into open conflicts.
According to Qatar News Agency, the editorials highlighted a phone call received by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, as well as separate telephone discussions held by HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi. The talks underscored the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts through dialogue and peaceful means to strengthen security and stability.
Newspapers noted that this diplomatic activity builds on Qatar's mediation role, including the agreement signed in Doha in October between Pakistan and Afghanistan on a ceasefire, reflecting Qatar's consistent commitment to supporting peaceful solutions and consolidating the foundations of peace at both regional and international levels.
In this context, the editorial of Al Raya, titled "Qatari efforts to de-escalate regional tension," focused on Qatar's efforts regarding tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It highlighted the phone call between HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, which reaffirmed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions through dialogue and peaceful means. The paper said this coordination enhances regional security and reflects a shared understanding of the sensitivity of the current phase and the importance of collective action to spare the region further instability.
The editorial also addressed HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi's phone calls with HE Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The discussions reaffirmed Doha's keenness on containing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad and supporting all measures that enhance security and stability in the vital region. Qatar also renewed its support for all efforts aimed at resolving disputes through peaceful means and reinforcing peace and stability regionally and internationally.
Al Raya stressed that this parallel engagement on multiple tracks embodies a firmly rooted Qatari vision focused on preventing crises from escalating into open confrontation. The paper said Doha draws on extensive experience in mediation and confidence-building, leveraging its balanced relations with various parties to promote calm and prioritize dialogue.
It concluded that Qatar views rapprochement between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a necessary step toward opening a new chapter based on dialogue, good neighborliness and shared interests, paving the way for cooperation, development and sustainable peace that enhances security across the region.
In the same context, the editorial of Al Sharq, titled "Qatar's tireless diplomacy to ensure regional stability," addressed Qatar's diplomatic efforts to contain escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It described the moves as reflecting awareness of the risks of conflict expansion and the importance of joint action to reduce tensions and return the parties to the negotiating table.
The editorial affirmed that these efforts stem from Qatar's full support for all initiatives aimed at resolving disputes through peaceful means and consolidating peace and stability at both regional and international levels.
It added that this diplomatic activity extends the mediation led by Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye last October, which resulted in the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Doha between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the establishment of mechanisms to entrench lasting peace and stability between the two countries. It further added that Qatar continues to work to bring both sides back to negotiations to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and put an end to tensions, laying a solid foundation for durable peace in the region.
Al Sharq concluded by emphasizing that Qatar will spare no effort in intensifying coordination with partners to defuse the crisis and other regional tensions through dialogue and peaceful means, thereby reinforcing regional security.