A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Islamabad supports Iran’s efforts to facilitate talks with Kabul and is ready to welcome any form of mediation from Tehran.
Taher Hussain Andrabi, the spokesperson, said that Iran is a “brotherly and friendly” country, and Islamabad supports the peaceful resolution of issues.
Andrabi added that Pakistan has a “strong stance” regarding “terrorist threats originating from Afghan territory” and, therefore, has no concerns about the mediation process.
He emphasized that usually the party in a weaker position avoids mediators, but Pakistan welcomes the process due to the strength of its claims.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to halt attacks; however, the Islamic Emirate has rejected these claims, stating that it does not allow any group to conduct attacks against other governments from Afghan territory.
Turkey and Qatar hosted three rounds of talks between delegations from Islamabad and Kabul, but these ended without results—particularly after bombardments in Kabul and clashes along the de facto border in October.
Recently, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense said that the talks have entered an “uncertain phase” and, due to serious disagreements, no progress has been made.
Iran, Russia, Turkey, and Qatar have initiated efforts to bring Kabul and Islamabad to the negotiating table through diplomatic means. Iran has said it is ready to provide any support to reduce violence and resolve differences. Similarly, Turkey is ready to send a high-level delegation to Islamabad for further consultations.
Following the failure of talks and border closures, the Islamic Emirate suspended trade relations with Pakistan; nevertheless, despite ongoing crises, regional countries remain hopeful that diplomatic efforts can provide solutions to prevent the escalation of tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.