The Afghan government announced on Tuesday the release of three Pakistani soldiers who were captured during border clashes on October 12, 2025. The soldiers were handed over to a delegation from Saudi Arabia that recently visited Kabul. According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan government's spokesperson, the decision to release the soldiers was made in response to a request from 'our brotherly country, Saudi Arabia,' which led the negotiation efforts and hosted the final talks between the involved parties.

This move is part of the Afghan government's strategy to build positive relations with all countries, and it comes as a gesture of goodwill considering the upcoming month of Ramadan. The government highlighted the delivery of the soldiers to the Saudi delegation that arrived in Kabul the previous Monday. The release is framed as a peace initiative amidst heightened tensions following one of the worst clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces since the Taliban came to power, resulting in numerous casualties.

This development raises questions about the stability of the fragile ceasefire between the two nations, following months of violent border confrontations. Despite the Afghan government's efforts to establish positive diplomatic relations, the absence of a long-term political agreement continues to foster uncertainty in the region, with the risk of a resurgence in violence if tensions reignite in the absence of a comprehensive resolution.