Spokesperson stresses that a lasting resolution to disputes is only possible through dialogue, negotiations
Russia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease rising tensions, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Speaking at a press conference in the Kremlin, Maria Zakharova emphasised that establishing stability in the region is Russia’s top priority.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi had held a telephone conversation on Friday to mediate to reduce growing strain between the two countries. “Welcomed the agreement reached between Kabul and Islamabad, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, on a mutual ceasefire and an end to cross-border shootings along the Afghan-Pakistani frontier.”.
Zakharova described Pakistan and Afghanistan as key regional partners and warned that border tensions between them could pose a serious threat to regional security. She added that mediation efforts in such situations could help promote sustainable peace.
Read: Iran, Russia call for Pak-Afghan dialogue
Russia stressed that a lasting resolution to disputes is only possible through dialogue and negotiations.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged both countries to exercise restraint, resolve differences through talks, and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
Russia highlighted that ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could obstruct peace and stability in the region, making it essential to continue the dialogue process.
Failed talks
This comes after second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended without any breakthrough, and the Pakistani delegation returned home. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said, “Pakistan remains firm on its position that the responsibility for controlling terrorism emanating from Afghan territory rests with Afghanistan”.
In recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of turning a blind eye to the banned TTP sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and imposing undue pressure.
Read more: Peace talks with Afghanistan collapse
Despite mediation by Turkiye and Qatar, sources familiar with the talks said the atmosphere in Istanbul was tense and unproductive, with the Afghan side calling Pakistan’s demands “unrealistic” and politically motivated.
With the latest round ending in stalemate, both countries appear no closer to resolving the security standoff, raising fears of further escalation along their shared border.
