Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev expresses Moscow’s willingness to help ease tensions as Pakistan calls for verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Russia has expressed its willingness to help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan as deteriorating relations between the neighboring countries continue to raise concerns over cross-border terrorism, regional security and trade connectivity.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said Moscow was concerned about the growing friction between Islamabad and Kabul and was prepared to contribute to efforts to resolve their differences. He made the remarks during a discussion on Pakistan-Russia relations at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Monday.
Khorev also highlighted the economic impact of the continued closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, saying the disruption was affecting Pakistan’s trade links with Central Asian countries and Russia. He expressed hope that the border would reopen and bilateral relations would improve.
Russian Officials Discuss Regional Security
Khorev said tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan were discussed during Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev’s recent visit to Islamabad.
Kolokoltsev met Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir. During the same period of heightened regional diplomatic engagement, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service chief Sergei Naryshkin visited Kabul for talks with senior Taliban representatives, while a senior Russian Security Council official travelled to New Delhi.
Russia’s potential diplomatic role comes as Moscow has strengthened its political and security engagement with the Taliban administration. Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan last year. The two sides have since expanded their engagement, including through a military-technical cooperation arrangement signed in May.
However, Moscow’s approach toward the Taliban differs from Pakistan’s increasingly firm position on militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
During recent regional consultations on Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban administration, while Pakistan called for concrete action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The consultations ended without a joint communique after disagreements emerged over references to terrorist organizations operating from Afghanistan.
Islamabad maintains that the TTP uses Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has rejected the allegations. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to take effective and verifiable action against militant groups as a condition for meaningful progress in bilateral relations.
Pakistan Welcomes Constructive Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan has indicated that it would welcome constructive diplomatic efforts by friendly countries to address the dispute.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan recently said Pakistan valued its engagement with Russia on Afghanistan and regional security. He clarified that the Foreign Office was not aware of any separate formal Russian mediation initiative.
However, he said Pakistan would welcome sincere efforts that addressed its security concerns and delivered tangible results. He stressed that progress depended on verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan and Russia Seek Stronger Economic Ties
Separately, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi called for stronger bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, education and other sectors.
He identified visa facilitation, direct flights and the removal of banking and payment barriers as priorities for improving economic ties. Tirmizi also discussed plans for a bilateral business forum, closer cooperation between companies and better transport links through Iran, Afghanistan and China.
He emphasized partnerships between universities, student exchanges and collaboration in science, engineering and agriculture.
Pakistan and Russia have expanded engagement in trade, energy, connectivity and security in recent years. Earlier this year, the two countries agreed to work toward an economic cooperation program extending to 2030. Officials have also discussed railway links connecting Pakistan with Russia and Central Asian countries.
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