By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is stepping up diplomatic efforts to help defuse tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as regional actors push for dialogue amid a fragile security environment.

The initiative comes as both Islamabad and Kabul signal cautious openness to engagement, following a temporary lull in tensions during the Eid period.

According to Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Anwar Ibrahim, during which the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and discussed regional developments.

Sharif briefed his Malaysian counterpart on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach, including efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran as part of broader regional stabilization.

Anwar, in turn, expressed strong support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and shared details of his own conversations with global leaders, emphasizing the urgent need to end conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as diplomatic efforts continue.

In a separate statement, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration said its Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, also held talks with Anwar Ibrahim.

During the conversation, Akhund raised concerns over rising regional tensions, particularly in light of the broader Middle East conflict, and reiterated Kabul’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and mutual cooperation.

He noted that the Taliban had demonstrated “goodwill” by observing a temporary pause in operations during the recent Eid period at the request of countries including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar.

The Malaysian premier, according to the statement, expressed hope that the temporary cessation of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan would continue and that outstanding issues could be resolved through sincere negotiations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry indicated that security operations, which had been temporarily paused for Eid ul Fitr, have now resumed.

Officials described the pause as a goodwill measure, while reiterating concerns over cross-border militancy and the need for sustained cooperation from Afghan authorities.

Kuala Lumpur has signaled its willingness to play a constructive role alongside other partners, backing Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives while encouraging direct engagement between Islamabad and Kabul.

Despite tension, analysts say the involvement of external actors such as Malaysia is a potentially stabilizing factor, offering a channel for dialogue at a time when tensions risk escalating once again.