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Afghanistan Frees 3 Pakistani Soldiers to Saudi Arabia at Ramadan Start

Afghanistan has released three Pakistani soldiers captured during border clashes in October 2025, handing them over to a Saudi Arabian delegation as a goodwill gesture marking the start of Ramadan. The release was announced by Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, who cited a policy of positive relations and a response to Saudi Arabia's request. The move comes amid significantly deteriorated relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban government of harboring militant groups like the TTP. The original clashes in 2025 resulted in heavy casualties claimed by both sides, highlighting the persistent volatility along their shared frontier.

Key Points: Afghanistan Releases Pakistani Soldiers to Saudi Officials for Ramadan

  • Gesture for Ramadan
  • Saudi mediation
  • Captured in 2025 clashes
  • Ongoing Pak-Afghan tensions
  • Taliban confirms release
2 min read

Afghanistan releases 3 Pakistani soldiers to Saudi officials on onset of Ramadan

Afghanistan releases three captured Pakistani soldiers to Saudi officials as a Ramadan goodwill gesture amid ongoing border tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

"In line with the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan... three Pakistani soldiers... were released and handed over to the respected delegation from... Saudi Arabia - Hamdullah Fitrat"

Kabul, February 18

Afghanistan, with Saudi Arabia, confirmed Ramadan will begin today following crescent moon sightings, and released three Pakistani soldiers.

Deputy Spokesperson of Afghanistan Hamdullah Fitrat announced that those soldiers were captured on October 12, 2025, during clashes with Pakistan.

"In line with the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which emphasizes maintaining positive relations with all countries, and in respect for the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan; a month of divine mercy and forgiveness; and in order to give a positive response to the request of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia, as well as on the occasion of hosting the negotiating team that arrived in Kabul on Monday, three Pakistani soldiers who had been captured on October 12, 2025, during clashes with the Pakistani side, were released and handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia," Fitrat said in a post on X.

Wednesday is being observed as the first day of Ramadan, when Muslims begin fasting from dawn to sunset and engage in increased religious activities. The Taliban is also expected to observe the start of Ramadan, aligning with regional moon-sighting announcements and preparations already underway among communities, according to Khaama Press.

Pakistan's military said on October 12, 2025, that it killed more than 200 Afghan fighters, while Afghanistan claims it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in cross-border clashes along their frontier. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan's Taliban, on Sunday said 30 other Pakistani soldiers were wounded and a "significant amount" of Pakistani weapons fell into their hands, as per Al Jazeera.

Once warm, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated as Islamabad has accused Kabul of harbouring members of the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), and other armed groups which carry out attacks against it. The TTP, or Pakistani Taliban, was formed in 2007 in response to Pakistan's military operations in its tribal border regions supporting the US invasion of Afghanistan, and has since waged a deadly insurgency, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Saudi Arabia playing a mediator role here. From a strategic perspective, any reduction in Pak-Afghan hostility is good for regional trade corridors, which India is also part of. Cautiously optimistic.
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Vikram M
Ramadan Mubarak to all. Releasing prisoners as an act of mercy is a beautiful Islamic tradition. However, the report of 200+ Afghan fighters killed is tragic. So much loss of life over border disputes. When will it end?
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Priya S
The timing is clearly diplomatic. Releasing soldiers just as Saudi negotiators arrive. The Taliban government is trying to show it can be a responsible actor. India should engage pragmatically while being clear on security concerns.
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Rohit P
Pakistan's problems with the TTP are of its own making. They nurtured these groups for decades. Now the chickens are coming home to roost. As an Indian, my primary concern is that this instability doesn't spill over into Jammu & Kashmir.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think the article could provide more context on the historical relationship between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. The "once warm" relations mentioned are a key part of understanding this current friction.
K
Kavya N
The human cost is always forgotten in these geopolitical stories. Three soldiers get to go home

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