UN chief Guterres deeply concerned by escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan

UN chief Guterres urges immediate cessation of hostilities amid escalating violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, prioritizing civilian protection.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

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UN chief is “deeply concerned by the escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the impact that violence is having on civilian populations. He calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and he reiterates his call on the parties to resolve any differences through diplomacy," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said at the daily press briefing on Friday (February 27, 2026).

Mr. Dujarric further said that UN humanitarian officials are voicing concern over the impact of attacks in Afghanistan, including a reported incident at a transit and reception centre at the Torkham border crossing in the eastern part of Afghanistan.

"We continue to call on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law; in particular, to ensure that civilians are protected at all times, as well as civilian infrastructure,” he said.

UN humanitarian officials have noted that years of conflict, poverty and natural disasters, such as drought and earthquakes, have left nearly half the population, almost 22 million men, women and children, in need of humanitarian aid.