ISLAMABAD: Russia has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means and offered to assist both sides in lowering tensions, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday, citing a Russian broadcaster.
Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in fierce clashes along their shared border on Oct. 11 after Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan against what it said were Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan-linked targets.
While the two sides reached a ceasefire in Doha on Oct. 19, tensions remain high between the neighbors after two subsequent rounds of talks to firm up the truce failed in Istanbul.
Islamabad wants the Afghan government to take "verifiable" actions against militant groups operating on Afghan soil. Kabul denies harboring TTP or other groups and wants its territorial sovereignty to be respected.
“We call on Kabul and Islamabad to resolve any disagreements exclusively through political and diplomatic means and by peaceful methods,” Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by TASS news agency at a press briefing this week.
“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.”
The TTP has been behind some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan since late 2000s. The group has stepped up its attacks against Pakistani security forces and law enforcement agencies since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan.
Zakharova said that tensions 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.”
There have also been reports that Iran is planning to hold a regional meeting to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
While there has been no comment by Pakistan on the statement by the Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Sunday said that Islamabad welcomes Iran’s offer of mediation and will “not shy away from” it, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported.
“Pakistan is always in favour of finding peaceful resolutions of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and we appreciate the offer of mediation of our brotherly country, Iran,” Andrabi was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
“We believe that Iran can play an important role. We would not shy away from any mediatory role by Iran. Mediations are always welcome,” he said, adding that Pakistan had a “very strong case.”
“Generally, mediations are resented by a country or a side which is on a weak legal or a political case. Pakistan’s case on this issue, on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, is very strong. So, obviously we will not shy away from mediation.”
