President Donald Trump says he may pull games out of Boston, Massachusetts, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Mayor Michelle Wu does not comply with helping city police target ongoing violent crime.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman offers to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease border tensions
Islamabad, October 15, 2025: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has proposed to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to alleviate rising tensions, following a series of deadly border clashes that escalated recently, reports 24brussels.
The violent confrontations, triggered by an assault from the Afghan side, reportedly resulted in the deaths of 23 Pakistani troops and over 200 Taliban and affiliated militants. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the clashes began on the night of October 11-12, 2025, when Afghan Taliban and militants referred to as Fitna-al-Khawarij launched an unprovoked attack across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
“In the past, I played a role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and I can do it now, too,” Fazl stated in Islamabad. Known for his connections with the Afghan Taliban, he remains the only Pakistani political leader to have met the group’s supreme leader, Shaikh Hibatullah.
Fazl emphasized that both nations must prioritize peace following the establishment of a ceasefire, urging them to avoid blame and seek understanding. “Both countries should try to cool things down instead of provoking each other, including on social media,” he noted, calling for dialogue as a means to resolve the existing conflicts.
Commenting on the military dynamics, Fazl asserted that Afghanistan’s intelligence and military capabilities are still evolving. He cautioned Pakistan to consider the ramifications of further military escalation, stating, “Pakistan has a world-class army and capability. Our state should think whether opening a western front is somehow the right war strategy at this time.”
The resurgence of armed groups within Pakistan since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 has been a persistent source of friction between the two countries. Pakistan holds the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) responsible for these tensions, alleging that they operate from Afghan territory, a claim the Taliban government has denied, insisting that “no one can use Afghan soil against any country.”
Notably, Afghanistan previously assured Pakistan that it would not allow any terrorist organization to conduct operations against Islamabad from its territory.