ISLAMABAD: Russia has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means, offering to assist both sides as negotiations between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban leadership remain stalled.

In a November 14 briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow stands ready to help ease tensions if approached by the parties. “We call on Kabul and Islamabad to resolve any disagreements exclusively through political and diplomatic means and by peaceful methods,” she said, as quoted by Russian News Agency TASS.

“The Russian Federation is always ready to contribute to promoting peace if it is requested by the conflicting parties. We have such experience, and we are ready for it.”

Zakharova noted that continued friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan “remains a matter of concern not only for Russia but… for the entire international community,” adding that “Russia stands in solidarity with its partners.”

Her remarks follow the conclusion of Pakistan’s recent round of talks with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul, where discussions ended without a breakthrough. Pakistan’s delegation departed the city after the Afghan side declined to commit to measures Islamabad considers essential for curbing cross-border militant activity.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan appreciates the mediation roles of Türkiye and Qatar but stressed that Kabul must fulfill its counterterrorism obligations.

“Onus lies on Afghanistan to fulfill its long-standing international, regional and bilateral pledges regarding control of terrorism, in which so far they have failed,” he said in a statement.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s concerns relate specifically to armed groups operating from Afghan soil and conducting attacks on Pakistani forces and civilians.

“Pakistan does not harbor any ill-will against the Afghan people… However, [Pakistan] shall never support the Afghan Taliban regime’s measures that are detrimental to the interest of the Afghan people as well as neighboring countries.”

Tarar said Islamabad has engaged in multiple negotiation rounds, including earlier talks in Doha, in an effort to establish a verifiable and enforceable security mechanism along the border.

However, he said the Afghan delegation did not agree to steps that would ensure actionable restraint on militant networks.

With the talks stalled, the minister emphasized that Pakistan will maintain its diplomatic efforts while prioritizing national security. “Pakistan shall continue to exercise all options necessary to safeguard the security of its people and its sovereignty,” he said.

Russia also referenced the broader dialogue process earlier this week.

In a November 12 phone call initiated by Tehran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi “praised Kabul and Islamabad for reaching an agreement… to enact a ceasefire and put an end to firing incidents along the border,” while calling for continued dialogue to uphold regional stability and security.

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Russia urges calm, offers support as Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions persist