Pakistan says terrorism originating from Afghanistan poses big challenge for region
ISLAMABAD:
Senior officials from Afghanistan’s immediate neighbours, along with Russia, convened in Tehran on Sunday to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
However, diplomatic sources said, the high-profile meeting ended without a joint communiqué, highlighting continuing divisions over the approach to the Taliban regime and regional security.
Hosted by Iran, the meeting of special representatives of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries plus Russia brought together envoys from Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
The Taliban regime had, however, declined the invitation, further complicating efforts to coordinate a unified regional strategy.
While the discussions reportedly concluded with consensus on one point that terrorism emanating from Afghan soil remains a significant threat to the region, participants could not reconcile their positions on other issues, preventing the issuance of a joint statement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi opened the meeting with a keynote address, underlining the strategic importance of Afghanistan’s stability for regional security.
“Afghanistan’s security is directly tied to the interests of all neighbouring countries,” he said. Araghchi stressed that regular dialogue mechanisms among Afghanistan’s neighbours are critical to prevent misunderstandings, coordinate policies, and promote economic, border, and humanitarian cooperation.
“No extra-regional blueprint can resolve regional problems and crises,” he added, cautioning against reliance on external actors to bring stability.
Araghchi also highlighted the economic potential of Afghanistan, pointing out that improved conditions could allow the country to serve as a vital corridor linking Central and South Asia, as well as West Asia and the Asia-Pacific, facilitating trade and energy transit.
Ahead of the Tehran meeting, Iran facilitated talks among anti-Taliban Afghan political groups, culminating in the “National Solidarity of Afghanistan’s Political Parties and Movements” declaration.
The political factions urged a resolution to the Afghan crisis through dialogue, signalling the limits of Taliban engagement in multilateral diplomacy.
Pakistan, represented by its Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, made its position clear during the meeting.
In his statement, Sadiq underscored that terrorism originating from Afghanistan continues to pose a “big challenge for the region.”
He stressed that the Afghan people have already endured enough hardship and that the de-facto Taliban authorities must take concrete steps to improve conditions.
“The foremost step in this regard would be to rid Afghan soil indiscriminately of all types of terrorists,” Sadiq said.
He added that only an Afghanistan free of terror networks could inspire confidence among neighbours and enable meaningful engagement, helping the country realize its “immense economic and connectivity potential.”
Pakistan’s delegation also highlighted Islamabad’s security concerns and its desire to promote peace, development, and stability in the region.
Ambassador Sadiq, along with Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul, Obaid Nizamani, participated in discussions, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to regional cooperation despite strained ties with the Taliban.
“The people of Afghanistan deserve better,” Sadiq said, emphasizing that any meaningful engagement with Kabul hinges on the Taliban’s willingness to take decisive action against terror groups operating within its territory.
Pakistan’s stance reflects both its immediate security interests and broader regional ambitions for a stable, connected Afghanistan.
Iranian officials also held bilateral talks with Pakistan’s representatives. In a courtesy call, Ambassador Sadiq met Foreign Minister Araghchi, who reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to deepening ties with Islamabad.
The discussions reportedly reflected growing coordination between the two countries, particularly regarding Afghanistan, as well as mutual interest in expanding trade, energy cooperation, and regional stability.
While the meeting allowed for frank dialogue, the absence of a joint statement underscores the continued divergences among Afghanistan’s neighbours over the Taliban and the broader approach to the Afghan crisis.
Observers noted that the Taliban’s refusal to participate has complicated consensus-building and limited the meeting’s immediate diplomatic impact.
Analysts suggest that Pakistan’s emphasis on addressing terrorism reflects Islamabad’s ongoing security concerns, particularly cross-border attacks and militant networks using Afghan territory as a safe haven.
Meanwhile, China, Russia, and Central Asian neighbours are reportedly focused on broader regional stability and economic integration, highlighting differing priorities among stakeholders.
Iran’s role as host underscores Tehran’s desire to position itself as a mediator in Afghan affairs, though the lack of a joint outcome demonstrates the limits of such regional initiatives when key actors, particularly the Taliban, are unwilling or unable to engage.
Despite the absence of a formal communiqué, the Tehran meeting signalled a willingness among regional players to maintain dialogue, exchange views, and coordinate on security and development issues. Pakistan’s strong messaging on terrorism and the need for Taliban accountability is likely to remain central in future regional discussions.
