Islamabad Announces Military Operations Against Pakistani Taliban Camps Along Afghan Border Amid Rising Tensions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met on Monday evening for an Iftar dinner at the Peace Palace in Jeddah. The meeting discussed developments in the Middle East and efforts to address them, particularly issues related to regional security and stability. The two sides reviewed the close and historic bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in various fields. Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the centrality of the established relations between the Kingdom and Egypt, expressing his desire to continue strengthening and elevating them to broader horizons that serve the interests of the two brotherly peoples. The two sides agreed to continue and enhance political consultation and coordination to maintain regional stability. They also discussed a number of regional and international files of common interest, stressing the importance of avoiding escalation and tension in the region, supporting peaceful solutions to crises through dialogue, and enhancing Arab solidarity to face challenges, with an emphasis on respecting the sovereignty of states, the unity and integrity of their territories, and non-interference in their internal affairs. The meeting also addressed developments in the situation in Gaza, where the necessity of all parties adhering to the ceasefire agreement and implementing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan was emphasized. The two sides also stressed increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to the sector without obstacles, and the need to quickly begin the process of early recovery and reconstruction in the sector. Officials indicated Saudi-Egyptian agreement to end the war in Sudan, as the two countries are working to reach a ceasefire and call for political solutions in which all forces participate. The meeting was attended by Saudi officials including Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, National Security Advisor, Dr. Essam bin Said, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet for Shura Council Affairs, and Khalid Al-Humaidan, Head of the General Intelligence Presidency. On the Egyptian side, the meeting was attended by Major General Ahmed Ali, Chief of the Presidential Diwan, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, Major General Hassan Rashad, Head of the General Intelligence Service, and Counselor Omar Marwan, Director of the President’s Office. Egyptian President el-Sisi departed Jeddah on Monday evening, and was bid farewell at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This high-level meeting reflects the depth of the strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The “Guest of the Economy” program hosted Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, to discuss the progress of the national energy transition path. The dialogue addressed key topics including an evaluation of the “Green Morocco Plan” and the gas pipeline project, alongside measures to alleviate electricity burdens on citizens and the environmental impacts of tourism.

The Pakistani government announced military operations inside Afghan territory targeting camps of the Pakistani Taliban and a branch of the Islamic State (ISIS). In response, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry warned of countermeasures, marking a development that escalates border tensions between the neighbors. The Pakistani strikes occurred within Afghan territory.