Moscow — The crucial Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan has commenced in the Russian capital, bringing together representatives from Pakistan, China, Iran, India, and Central Asian countries to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
Opening the session, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister and emphasized that stability in Afghanistan is vital for peace across the region. He strongly criticized Western nations, stating that they have abandoned Afghanistan and left its people in distress.
Lavrov further demanded that Afghanistan’s frozen assets held in Western banks be released immediately to provide much-needed economic relief to the Afghan people.
According to sources, Pakistan is being represented in the meeting by Special Representative for Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul Giyan Chand, and Ambassador Ubaid Nizamani.
The participants are holding detailed discussions on Afghanistan’s security, political stability, and the threat of terrorism in the region.
All members stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against any country.
The agenda also includes topics such as counter-terrorism efforts, regional cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.
The Moscow Format includes permanent members from Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, with the shared objective of promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the broader region.
Sources added that the delegates are exchanging key proposals regarding Afghanistan’s future, while Minister Lavrov warned that the West’s failed policies could pose new risks for the entire region.
Security officials have expressed concern over Afghanistan’s inability to prevent terrorist groups from using its territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
Despite repeated assurances from Kabul, cross-border terrorism continues to threaten peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan has urged the Afghan authorities to take decisive action against militant hideouts and ensure that Afghan soil is not used against any neighboring country.
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Experts warn that the persistence of such threats could strain regional relations and hinder collective efforts for long-term peace.
