By Micah Jonah
February 18, 2026
The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have released three Pakistani soldiers captured during cross-border clashes in October, in a move mediated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amid lingering tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The development was confirmed by Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, who disclosed that the soldiers were handed over to a Saudi delegation in Kabul on Tuesday.
According to him, the soldiers were detained on October 12, during intense fighting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which witnessed one of the deadliest escalations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
He explained that the release aligns with the Taliban administration’s policy of maintaining “positive relations with all countries,” adding that the gesture also comes ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The spokesman further noted that the decision followed a formal request from Saudi Arabia, which has recently hosted dialogue efforts aimed at easing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
The October clashes resulted in dozens of casualties on both sides and led to a fragile ceasefire agreement. However, efforts to secure a lasting political resolution have yet to yield concrete outcomes.
Diplomatic sources indicate that key border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have experienced intermittent closures since the clashes, significantly disrupting trade and cross-border movement along the approximately 2,600-kilometre frontier.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership of harbouring militant groups responsible for attacks within its territory, an allegation the Taliban government has consistently denied.
As of press time, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry had yet to issue an official response to the reported release.
Observers say the Saudi-mediated intervention may signal renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilizing relations between the two countries, restoring normalcy along their shared border.
