MOSCOW: In a significant diplomatic development, Russia has followed Iran’s lead and offered to mediate escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighting international concern over regional stability.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated during a press briefing that stability in the region is a priority for both Russia and the international community. She described Pakistan and Afghanistan as “important partners” and warned that the current border tensions between them pose a direct threat to regional security.
Zakharova emphasized that reconciliation efforts are essential for ensuring lasting peace. The Russian Foreign Ministry declared negotiations to be the “only sustainable solution to the conflict” and called on both nations to exercise restraint. It demanded that Pakistan and Afghanistan resolve their differences through dialogue and refrain from any actions that could further escalate tensions.
This move from Moscow comes just days after Iran made a similar offer. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi held separate telephone conversations with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaki.
During these calls, the Iranian Foreign Minister stated that Iran is ready to provide all possible assistance to facilitate reconciliation between the two neighboring countries. Diplomatic sources confirmed that the discussions also covered bilateral relations and broader regional affairs, with Iran expressing serious concern over the ongoing friction.
The consecutive offers from two major regional powers underscore the global apprehension regarding the Pakistan-Afghanistan dispute and signal a concerted push to bring both parties to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile Pakistan has reported a steep rise in terrorist attacks and cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan, citing verified intelligence and UN assessments.
Officials say the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) gained new space and operational ease after the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Many TTP militants had fled to Afghanistan during Pakistan’s military operations. Malakand commander Mullah Fazlullah escaped with his group to Afghanistan, and his loyalists remain active there, striking inside Pakistan. Several militant factions continue to enjoy protection under the Taliban government, officials claim.
