Pakistan backs Iran’s push to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul

 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan considers Iran a “brotherly and friendly country” and believes dialogue and diplomacy remain the best path to resolving current challenges. He added that Pakistan feels “confident” in its position regarding terrorism, which it claims originates from Afghan territory.

“Countries that are on weaker legal or political footing usually avoid mediation,” Andrabi said. “Pakistan has a very strong case, so we have no concerns about Iran’s involvement.”

Islamabad has long urged the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) in Kabul to rein in attacks allegedly carried out by militants based inside Afghanistan. The IEA has repeatedly rejected the accusations, insisting that no armed group is allowed to use Afghan soil against any country.

Three rounds of talks between Afghan and Pakistani delegations — held in Turkey and Qatar after October clashes along the disputed Durand Line — ended without agreement. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence recently said negotiations have now entered an “indefinite phase,” with no progress made due to fundamental differences on security issues.

Amid the stalemate, multiple regional actors, including Iran, Russia, Turkey, and Qatar, are attempting to revive dialogue. Iran has expressed readiness to facilitate de-escalation, while Turkey is expected to send a high-level delegation to Islamabad for further consultations in the coming days.

Following the collapse of talks, the Islamic Emirate suspended trade ties with Pakistan, further straining economic interactions at key crossings. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to experience rising security incidents and military casualties that it attributes to groups based in Afghanistan.

Despite the heightened tensions, regional diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, with hopes that renewed engagement can prevent further escalation and ultimately restore stability between the two countries.