ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have expressed concerns over the presence of Daesh in Afghanistan.
Following a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, who is on an official four-day visit to Russia, said: “There was unanimity of views that unchecked proliferation of Daesh in Afghanistan, particularly along the borders of neighboring countries, was a threat to peace in the entire region.”
During talks, Lavrov insisted that combating terrorism is a priority area of cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow.
“We are planning to continue giving practical assistance in strengthening the counterterrorism potential of your country,” he told the Pakistani delegation.
The Russian Foreign Minister also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.
“He conveyed Russia’s continued support for enhancing Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities,” a Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement said.
Analyst Qamar Cheema told Arab News that Russia is reportedly negotiating with the Afghan Taliban in order to curb Daesh’s influence in the country.
“Russia believes Islamic movements in Central Asia may get impressed by (Daesh’s) ideology, so it is important to curb and eliminate Daesh infrastructure and cells in Afghanistan,” Cheema said.
“That is the reason Russia is reportedly enhancing ties with the Afghan Taliban, so that they could engage Daesh in the country knowing that the Afghan authorities are not capable of fighting Daesh.”
Asif tweeted on Wednesday that his meeting with Lavrov was “very fruitful” and added that “consensus on regional and international issues, particularly Afghanistan… need for close cooperation on counterterrorism and eliminating drug trafficking, better trade and defense relations were discussed.”
At a delegation level meeting in Moscow, the two sides also discussed the prevailing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for the region. They reiterated that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and a negotiated settlement through an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process was the only viable option for lasting peace in the country.
“They agreed to closely coordinate in all Afghanistan-related processes for a regional solution of the Afghan conflict,” the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Russia, Pakistan share fears over Daesh in Afghanistan
Russia, Pakistan share fears over Daesh in Afghanistan
Pakistan eyes enhancing mines, minerals cooperation with Saudi Arabia at Future Minerals Forum 2026
- Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik meets Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef in Riyadh
- Saudi minister offers to support Pakistan’s mining industry via Kingdom’s knowledge and expertise, says Pakistan’s petroleum ministry
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Arabia’s minister of industry and mineral resources at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh on Monday, the Pakistani petroleum ministry said, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the mines and minerals sector.
Malik is leading the Pakistani delegation at the FMF 2026 summit in Riyadh. The Jan. 13-15 event is expected to attract around 20,000 representatives from governments, businesses, multilateral and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and trade associations from more than 160 countries, organizers said. At least 13 public and private companies from Pakistan’s mines and mineral sector are participating in the event.
“The minister held a meeting with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, during which both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the minerals and mining sector,” the Pakistani petroleum ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said Alkhorayef pointed out “vast opportunities” for cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the mineral sector, adding that the Kingdom would support the development of Pakistan’s mining industry through its knowledge and technical expertise.
Malik said fertilizer production and medical devices manufacturing sectors also present important opportunities for joint ventures between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a leader in the global minerals and energy sectors and accelerated investments in green technologies, sustainable mining practices and international collaborations that are shaping the future of the mines and mineral industry.
Pakistan organized a minerals summit in April 2025 which saw participation from major international companies including the Canada-based Barrick Gold and officials from the US, Saudi Arabia, China, Türkiye, UK, Azerbaijan and other nations.
Islamabad also plans to organize a Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum this year to attract foreign investment in its mines and minerals sector. Pakistan lies in the middle of the mineral-rich geological zone, called the ‘Tethyan Belt,’ where one of the world’s largest copper-gold mines is currently under development at Reko Diq.
This mine is expected to start production by 2028.
