Pakistan on Sunday welcomed Iran’s offer to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul, with the Foreign Office (FO) stating that the country would “not shy away” from any constructive diplomatic effort aimed at easing tensions and addressing cross-border terrorism.
FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, responding to queries about reports of a possible Iran-led regional mediation initiative, described Tehran as a “brotherly, friendly country” whose involvement could help steer both sides toward dialogue. “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,” he said.
He added that Pakistan had a “very strong case” regarding terrorism originating from Afghan soil. “Generally, mediations are resented by a country or a side which is on a weak legal or political case,” Andrabi noted. “Pakistan’s case on this issue, on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, is very strong. So, obviously we will not shy away from mediation.”
Islamabad has long accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing militants to operate from Afghanistan and launch attacks inside Pakistan — allegations Kabul denies. Tensions have spiked in recent months, particularly following deadly border clashes in October that left 23 Pakistani soldiers dead. Pakistan claims its response killed around 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters, while Afghanistan called its actions “retaliatory”, accusing Islamabad of conducting air strikes inside its territory. Pakistan neither confirmed nor denied the strikes but reiterated its demand for Kabul to stop “harbouring the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan”.
“We believe that Iran can play an important role,” says FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi. https://t.co/I24x8Bhf9w
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The two sides entered negotiations soon after a temporary ceasefire was reached on October 15. Talks in Doha and later in Istanbul — mediated by Turkiye and Qatar — aimed to establish mechanisms to curb cross-border militancy. However, three rounds of discussions collapsed without agreement as gaps on key security issues remained unbridgeable. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on November 7 that the process had entered “an indefinite phase”.
Following the breakdown in talks, the Afghan Taliban suspended trade ties with Pakistan, further straining relations. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to face a surge in attacks targeting both security personnel and civilians.
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Amid the stalemate, diplomatic efforts by regional actors have intensified. This week, the foreign ministers of Iran and Russia called for continued engagement between the two neighbours. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately discussed recent developments with both Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, expressing readiness to assist in resolving differences. Turkiye has also dispatched a high-level delegation to Islamabad in a fresh attempt to defuse tensions.
With dialogue stalled and border hostilities recurring, Pakistan maintains that regional mediation could offer a viable path toward stability — a path it says it is ready to support.
