KABUL, AFGHANSITAN – The Taliban have released three Pakistani soldiers who were captured during clashes in October 2025, the group’s chief spokesman said on Tuesday (February 17).
In a statement issued late Tuesday (February 17), Zabihullah Mujahid said the soldiers had been handed over to a Saudi delegation in Kabul.
Mujahid stated that the release was carried out in line with the Taliban’s policy of maintaining positive relations with all countries, out of respect for the holy month of Ramadan, and in response to a request from Saudi Arabia. He also described the move as a gesture coinciding with the visit of a Saudi negotiating delegation that arrived in Kabul earlier this week.
The soldiers were reportedly taken captive during nearly a week of cross-border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistan in October 2025, which led to the temporary closure of border crossings between the two countries.
Following the fighting, both sides announced a ceasefire mediated by regional countries and held rounds of talks in Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. However, the negotiations did not result in a final agreement.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan, alleging that the group receives support from the Afghan Taliban.
In recent months, relations between the Taliban authorities in Kabul and the government of Pakistan have remained tense and fragile. Despite periodic diplomatic contacts and efforts to manage border security, mutual distrust continues to overshadow ties. Islamabad has repeatedly pressed the Taliban to take action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Taliban officials insist they do not allow Afghan territory to be used against other countries. Sporadic border closures, security incidents and sharp rhetoric from both sides have further strained relations, leaving the future of bilateral cooperation uncertain.
