After Iran, now Russia also offers to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Russia has extended an offer to mediate in the ongoing dispute, adding its voice to a growing international chorus seeking peace in South Asia.

The offer, announced by Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert Khorev, comes on the heels of Iran’s recent proposition to mediate the conflict, highlighting the critical role regional powers are willing to play in defusing the crisis.

Addressing a session at the Islamabad Institute of Strategic Studies on Monday, Ambassador Khorev expressed deep concern over the security situation in Afghanistan, adding that the instability in the region posed significant challenges for Russia. He offered Russia’s assistance in facilitating dialogue between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India, all of which have long-standing geopolitical tensions.

“Russia is prepared to play its part in reducing tensions with Pakistan’s two neighboring countries, Afghanistan and India,” Khorev said. He accentuated that Russia views peace in South Asia as integral to broader regional stability and reiterated Russia’s commitment to working with Pakistan to address the multifaceted security challenges facing the region.

The ambassador also pointed to the involvement of external powers in exacerbating regional tensions, stressing that the solution to South Asia’s security concerns should be driven by the regional parties themselves. “Only the countries directly involved can resolve their disputes,” Khorev said, adding that Pakistan’s strategic geographical and diplomatic position made it a vital partner in regional peace efforts.

In recent months, Pakistan has been grappling with escalating cross-border terrorism, a persistent issue it blames on the Afghan Taliban’s inability or unwillingness to crack down on militant groups operating from Afghan soil. The situation has led to a series of deadly border skirmishes, including the violent clashes of October 2025, which left dozens dead on both sides.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) welcomed Russia’s mediation offer, noting that such interventions are essential for finding long-term solutions. This comes just days after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Tahir Hussain Andrabi had expressed Islamabad’s openness to Iranian mediation efforts, echoing a sentiment of cooperation with neighboring countries to resolve the issue.

“We would not shy away from any mediatory role by Iran or Russia. Pakistan has always advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” Andrabi said in a recent statement.

The invitation from Russia and Iran to mediate follows a breakdown of talks in Istanbul earlier this month between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Negotiations aimed at addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism collapsed after both sides failed to reach a consensus.

Despite attempts by mediators from Türkiye and Qatar to salvage the dialogue, the gulf between the two countries remained wide, particularly over the Afghan Taliban’s role in harboring militants.

Pakistan has long maintained that the Taliban must take action to stop cross-border terrorism. However, Kabul has denied accusations that it is sheltering groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil. The diplomatic standoff has led to significant casualties and has undermined bilateral trade and cooperation.